Negotiating car accident compensation can be confusing. It is important to know how the process works so you receive fair compensation. Getting the most out of your settlement will help you cover your medical expenses as well as any time you may have lost at work. Being involved in a car accident can be costly, especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to work right away.
Medical Factors
The diagnosis and treatment of any medical injuries may result in a large portion of you expenses. An insurance adjuster will frown on lengthy test when an injury may only require minimal treatment. It is in your best interest to have all of you medical concerns addressed as quickly as possible. Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment can begin and speed up the healing process. Treating with an appropriate medical professional is imperative. Most insurance companies will not take the word of the non-medical professional such as a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or other alternative healthcare practitioner. By getting a diagnosis from an M.D., you will increase your chances of getting a better settlement that will accurately compensate you for your injuries.
Proper Documentation
Once you have decided to pursue a car accident compensation claim, you will need to have all of the proper documentation to support your request. This includes police reports, damage quotes for your vehicle, documents from your employer that details time lost from work and an accurate, precise record of all your medical expenses, diagnoses and treatment options. Organizing your documents according to the classification (automotive, employment and medical) will help to speed up the claim process. Talk to the insurance adjuster and ask what they will require from you. Keeping documents organized will also help you check them off as you obtain them. It is essential that you have as much information as possible when filing your claim. Insurance companies do not want make any payments at all if they can avoid it. An adjuster will often make extremely low offers in the hopes that you will accept without knowing what you are fully entitled to. After you file your claim, the adjuster may make you an offer. In most cases, this type of negotiation may go on for several weeks as you both try and come to a fair and equitable settlement amount. For car accident compensation claims, you will want to negotiate for both your vehicle as well as your personal needs.
Keep It Real
Only go after amounts you can prove are within reasonable limits. If you ask for an exceptionally large settlement or make up evidence to support an unrealistic claim, you will most likely be denied and the insurance company will get away with paying you the bare minimum. Be realistic. As for an accurate amount when it comes to missed wages. Make sure the medical documentation you provide is supported by a medical doctor or other authorized medical professional. If you are interested in seeking punitive damages, talk to an attorney to find out what amount is within reasonable limits. If your case ends up going in front of a judge, don’t be fake or phony in any way. It can work against you if the judge believes you are not sincere or that you are lying about the degree of your injuries. When you appear in court, be professional. Even though the judge will determine the outcome of your car accident compensation case, you are still technically negotiating your claim. The only difference is that now you have an unbiased mediator who will be able to help resolve the issue. If you have questions or if you have a car accident case, contact a lawyer at Edwards and Kautz to discuss it. We can be reached at 270-908-4914 or by filling out a form on our website.