Car accidents are normal on our roads. Over three million people get injured in those accidents every year. A big percentage of victims suffer permanent injuries that affect them for life. Settling your accident claim helps you focus on your recovery. However, this is usually not a very easy task.
After a serious car accident, fair compensation for injuries sustained is much deserved. Simultaneously, car insurance companies fight hard to pay less than you deserve. Most of the time, we get stranded between hiring a car accident attorney or going it alone. Below are a few tips for settling a car accident claim.
1. Determine the Extent of Your Damages
When you get involved in any car accident, it’s the driver’s responsibility to compensate you for all losses. Some of the mitigated losses encompass:
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Past and future lost wages
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Property damage
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Emotional distress
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Past and future medical bills
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Pain and suffering
Before you start the negotiation process, take your time to get an idea of your worth. Have a clear picture of your lost wages and future medical bills.
2. Talk to the Insurance Adjuster
Talk to the insurance adjuster to clarify your coverage after submitting the claim. The adjuster will study the damages to your car and any other medical expenses relating to the accident. This information helps them calculate a fair payment in their terms. Largely, this payment is usually not enough from the beginning. Therefore, you’ll have to negotiate to get what you deserve.
3. Craft a Demand Letter
A demand letter is crafted after evaluating the strength of your case and the magnitude of your substantial losses. The demand letter should include;
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The medical expenses incurred
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Facts of the case
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Your path to recovery
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A request for fair compensation
The demand letter empowers you to initiate negotiations on your terms and not the amount offered by the insurer.
4. Await the Judge’s Verdict
The judge carefully assesses your case before determining the settlement amount you deserve. If you present your facts effectively, the judge may grant a settlement higher than the insurance company’s offer.
Handling a car accident without legal representation may save money, but it can be challenging. Instead of going it alone, Let Beckstrom & Beckstrom, LLP help you fight for what you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
