Claimants do not always appreciate the extent of their losses. Some overlook injuries and think that they need no more than money or repairs to a damaged vehicle.
Best strategy for a claimant that hopes to receive a fair compensation
Before negotiations begin, have a minimum figure in mind. It could be changed later. It could be lowered, if the adjuster introduced some new and significant facts. It could be raised, if the minimum was close to the amount posed in the adjuster’s first offer.
Exercise patience. Do not accept the adjuster’s first offer. That has been made to test the plaintiff. The defendant’s team wants to see how desperate for cash the plaintiff has become. If the adjuster presents you with a low-ball offer, ask for written justification of the proposed amount. That demand should push the adjuster to raise the amount in the counteroffer.
Always wait patiently for the adjuster’s response. The adjuster might have to consult with a superior member of the insurer’s staff. Do not make a new offer until you have learned about the nature of the adjuster’s response to your previous offer.
Facts that the claimant should keep in mind
Realize that each claimant knows more about a reported accident than the adjuster in the offices that received the reported details on the same accident. Realize, too that adjusters have not received training in the area of medicine or training in matters of law. Do not hesitate to hire a personal injury lawyer in Kitchener, especially if your case no longer moves forward in a predictable fashion.
The adjuster will settle your case quickly once he or she is aware that you know the real value of your settlement. You’ll also find that you will be much more knowledgeable about your own claim than the insurance adjuster. This will give you a real advantage when trying to get the settlement you want and need.
Situations that call for reliance on legal assistance
• You have a complex case, such as one that requires presentation of facts about an award for future damages.
• You or someone in your family has suffered a serious injury, as a result of the car accident.
• Your insurance company insists on claiming that you are partly responsible for your some of the reported injuries.
• Your driver did not get hurt at the time of a recent car accident. It appears that all of the young people in the same vehicle remain unharmed. You are about to assume that you would have no reason to pursue a personal injury case.
It is best to contact an injury lawyer when you are even remotely responsible for a part in the accident.