How to Make Personal Injury Settlement Successful

Most people are wary of dealing with insurance companies because they do not understand the negotiation process involved in a personal injury settlement. The key to points for successful personal injury settlement.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sara was involved in a car accident that left her immobile for two weeks. Due to her injuries, she was only able to return to work after four months. Since the accident was not her fault, Sara filed a claim for a personal injury settlement.

2. During the negotiation process with the insurance company, Sara was able to successfully defend her claim and win an appropriate settlement amount.

3. How did Sara manage this? The key to her success lies in simple tips that are listed below:

Tips & Warnings

• Tip 1: Understand the claim process: Most people are wary of dealing with insurance companies because they do not understand the negotiation process involved in a personal injury settlement. It's quite simple really. After you file a claim, the insurance adjustor will call you up to discuss your claim. Then, he will make you a settlement offer for an amount lower than your claim. You will counter with another offer. This process will continue until both of you agree on a settlement amount.
• Tip 2: Calculate your compensation amount: When you file your claim, mention the compensation amount you deserve. This includes medical costs, salary lost for the time you were unable to work, repairs for damaged vehicles, etc. At this time, decide on a minimum injury settlement you are willing to accept. Use this amount as a benchmark during your negotiation process. Keep this amount a secret, as you do not want the adjustor to know how much you are willing to settle for. This could influence the negotiations as the adjustor can use this amount to bargain for a lower deal.
• Tip 3: Ask the adjustor to justify his offer: Sometimes, the adjustor will make you an offer that is much below your claim amount. This is just a negotiating tactic. Instead of jumping in with your counter offer, ask for the reasons why this offer is so low. Write them down as they are listed out. Then, respond to these reasons in a formal letter to the adjustor and the insurance company. Wait for a reply to your letter. The insurance company will then be ready to offer you a more reasonable amount as part of your personal injury settlement.
• Tip 4: Get it in writing: Once you and the adjustor have agreed on your personal injury settlement, the final step is to confirm it. Write a short letter to the adjuster detailing the agreed claim amount, the damages it covers, and the time it will take for the insurance company to send you the requisite documents. Having a written record prevents the adjustor from going back on his word.

Resources

• Personal Injury Settlement