Most personal injury cases end with a negotiated settlement rather than with a verdict at trial. Negotiations are vital, as they are an opportunity for your personal injury attorney to fight for a fair settlement.
Insurers may jump to offer you a small settlement upfront, hoping you will take the money and drop the matter. That is why most personal injury attorneys will recommend negotiating with insurers before accepting any settlement.
Working with a lawyer who knows how to negotiate a personal injury settlement can help you get the maximum recoverable compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have extensive experience building strong claims and negotiating for maximum compensation for our clients.
Potential Advantages of a Negotiated Settlement in a Personal Injury Case
Insurance companies are businesses looking to make money. The more they pay out in claims, the less money they make. That means they have a vested interest in paying claimants as little as they can get away with.
One common insurance company strategy is to offer a small settlement quickly to get the victim to accept and drop further legal action. The idea is that the victim would rather take a smaller amount of money now rather than wait through a lengthy claims process.
If the insurers offer a quick, lowball settlement, you can refuse and make a counteroffer. Here is where our attorneys come in. We can push back against insurers and make a case for compensating you the full amount of your losses. With our attorneys negotiating on your side, you could have a much better chance of receiving a higher settlement amount.
Tips for Negotiating the Maximum Personal Injury Settlement
Below are some tips on negotiating personal injury settlements to get the most out of your claim.
- Gather as much evidence as possible.
- Make demand letters comprehensive.
- Have an exact figure for your losses.
- Record all communications with insurers.
- Be open to compromise.
- Stay professional and calm.
- Promptly respond to any request for additional documents.
- Stay organized.
Factors That Impact the Negotiation Process for a Personal Injury Case
A variety of factors can influence personal injury negotiations. Some of these include:
- Having an attorney – An attorney will make negotiations much smoother. Our attorneys have experience working with insurers and know how to best push them during negotiations to seek a higher offer.
- Settlement amount – The higher the settlement amount, the longer negotiations will generally take. Insurers will usually push back hardest against high-compensation cases that cut into profits more.
- Complexity of the case – Complex cases involving multiple liable parties or injuries with very high treatment costs may require more effort to negotiate due to the higher number of elements to consider.
- Amount of evidence – If you come prepared with the right kind of evidence, you can make negotiations shorter because you can convincingly and succinctly make your case to the insurance adjuster.
Contact Our South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Successfully negotiating the settlement of a personal injury claim is an art, and you can significantly benefit from the input of a professional. If you have any more questions about how to negotiate a personal injury settlement or would like to schedule a free consultation, contact Jebaily Law Firm online or call us today.
