In personal injury cases, the parties involved usually choose to settle the case outside of court to avoid the cost and stress associated with court trials. The parties agree on a settlement amount that closes a case. In exchange for the compensation that covers the victim’s expenses, the injured victim gives up their right to sue or proceed with a lawsuit. While the victim expects a fair settlement, insurers may make a lowball settlement offer. This offer won’t cover the accident expenses of the victim like medical bills and property damage.
If you are getting lowball settlement offers from an insurance company, don’t accept them. Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who can represent you in settlement negotiations. In fact, it is best to call a lawyer right after your accident. Your attorney will determine the true value of your claim and ensure you don’t accept any offer from the insurer that is less than what you deserve.
Why Let Your Lawyer Take Over Settlement Negotiations
To prevent a lowball offer from the insurance company, your attorney will represent you. Insurance adjusters are aware that you do not know about negotiation tactics and the law that governs personal injuries. So, they will offer a claim that may seem enough to cover your expenses. But if you are represented by an attorney, they may try to make a more reasonable offer. Adjusters know that your lawyer will calculate your economic and non-economic damages and add up all the costs to determine the amount of money the insurer owes you.
If you have been dealing with an insurance company that’s been making lowball offers, stop right away. What you may say to the adjuster may be used against you to keep making these offers. You should hire a lawyer immediately, so they can take over negotiations and work to get a fair settlement on your behalf.
What Your Lawyer Will Do
Your attorney will give you advice on the lowest offer you must get. This offer should be enough to cover your expenses, both economic and non-economic. Also, your lawyer can advise you on the maximum settlement you can get after calculating all your damages and losses.
Your attorney will make counteroffers and reject offers. Counteroffers can go back and forth until your attorney is satisfied with the offer you get from the insurer. If negotiations fail, your attorney is always ready to take your case to court.
