How Can I Get the Best Car Accident Settlement in Florida?
If you were recently injured in a car accident and someone else was at fault, you will probably consider filing a personal injury claim to hold the liable party responsible for any injuries you sustained or damages you have suffered. After you file a claim, the liable party’s insurance company will likely offer you a settlement amount. There are some things you should be aware of before you decide to accept that settlement amount to ensure that you receive the best possible settlement. This article will provide some tips you should adhere to in order to receive the best possible settlement.
- Have a settlement amount in mind. When you draft your demand letter, you should determine what you believe is a proper settlement range (for example, $10,000 to $15,000). Then, prior to speaking to a claims adjuster, you should decide on a minimum settlement amount that you will accept. Keep in mind that this is not a figure that you should ever share with the adjuster. Also keep in mind that this figure can change, especially if the adjuster points out some facts you had not considered that clearly make your claim weaker. Additionally, if the adjuster starts with an offer at or near your minimum figure, you may want to increase the amount.
- Don’t be tempted to jump at the first offer. It may be tempting but try not to accept the very first offer. For the most part, an adjuster’s first offer will be very low, with the hope that you will accept it right away. If the offer is way below what you believe the settlement is worth, make a counteroffer of a slightly higher amount. It may take some bargaining, but the two of you should eventually be able to come to an amount that is reasonable and fair.
- Require the insurance company to justify a low offer. If an adjuster makes an extremely low first offer, you should ask the adjuster to give you specific reasons why the offer is so low and make note of these reasons. Then, you should write a brief letter responding to each of the individual factors the adjuster has noted. Depending on the strength of any of the adjuster’s reasons, you may choose to lower your demand slightly (though before you decide to lower the amount too much, you should wait to see whether the adjuster will budge after receiving your letter).
- Make sure that you emphasize emotional points. During the negotiation process, make sure that you emphasize the strongest emotional points of your case. This could include evidence of a specifically painful injury, permanent physical effects, and other evidence of pain and suffering. This type of emotional evidence is very persuasive in these kinds of negotiations.
- Make sure that the settlement is in writing. When you and the insurance adjuster finally reach a settlement agreement, make sure that the relevant terms are in writing. It may be helpful to immediately confirm the terms in a letter to the adjuster. These terms should include the amount for which you settled, what injuries or damages the settlement covers, and the date by which you expect to receive settlement documents from the insurance company.
Were You Recently Injured in a Car Accident? Speak to a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney
If you were recently injured in a car accident and you are having issues getting compensation from the liable driver, please contact Rosen Injury Law, P.A. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys can reach out to the liable party’s insurance carrier to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries and any damages your car has sustained.
