Strategies for Negotiating With Insurance Companies After an Injury
Negotiating with insurance companies can feel like the most unproductive task ever—one step forward, two steps back, and so on. It’s even worse when you’re involved in an accident and you have to talk to the other party’s insurance provider. Since they have no obligation to you, getting a response feels like pulling teeth. That’s why it’s so important to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of settlement negotiations in Southern California.
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, we know what it takes to get our clients what they deserve. Our list of victories includes many negotiated settlements, so we know how to hold insurance companies accountable. Call us at 1-855-WINNING (946-6464) to set up a consultation with our Southern California personal injury insurance attorneys now.
Know The Claims Process
Knowledge is key in the world of insurance settlements, and that’s obvious when you start trying to negotiate a settlement. People often underestimate just how long this process can take and how much work the insurance adjusters put into it. It isn’t just a matter of them investigating the accident, deciding how much you’re owed, and paying it out. Remember, their goal isn’t the same as yours—you want the largest settlement you can get, and they want to pay as little as possible. Know that by the time you get your first offer, they will have looked into the accident, guessed how much your claim may be worth, and determined a lowball number to offer you.
Gather Your Evidence
Evidence is king in any personal injury insurance claim, whether it goes to court or is settled during negotiations. Without evidence, it’s all too easy for the insurance company to say that you’re exaggerating your injuries or accusing their client of things they didn’t actually do. Proper evidence makes it much harder for them to deny a fair settlement. Evidence options vary between case types. For example, if you have a car accident claim, you may want to gather photos of the crash scene, the police report, and your medical bills. If you’re dealing with a slip-and-fall injury, photos of the unsafe obstacles that caused you to fall and an incident report may be useful.
Communicate Strategically and Through the Proper Channels
At all times, you have to remember that the other party’s insurance company is not on your side. Yes, even if they’re nice. Yes, even if they apologize and seem sympathetic to your injuries. They are not advocating for you and you cannot let your guard down around them. Any communication you have with them must be very strategic. They have obligations to their own clients, but not to you.
In fact, we generally recommend that you do not communicate with the other party’s insurance provider at all. Doing so may mean saying things that can hurt your claim, accidentally taking blame for the accident, or bringing up pre existing injuries. Instead, you should find an attorney you trust to handle your claim. Personal injury lawyers know the tricks used by insurance companies and they know how to approach communication in a productive way.
Continue Documenting Your Injuries
Once you have hired a lawyer for your car crash, bike accident, or other accident, you should continue documenting your progress as recommended by your lawyer. Your attorney may want to get copies of your medical bills and medical reports as you attend follow-up appointments, documentation of your missed days from work, and proof of any other expenses related to your injuries. In some cases, your personal injury lawyer may recommend a personal injury journal. This tracks your pain levels over time, your physical limitations, time away from work, and other important aspects of your healing process. Your best bet at this step is to work closely with your attorney; they know the details of your case and the types of evidence that will be most beneficial to it.
Contact DeWitt Algorri & Algorri to Schedule Your Free Consultation Now
Don’t wait too long to start your personal injury insurance claim—remember, you only have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Our personal injury insurance lawyers at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri want to hear more about your accident, look over your evidence, and help you move forward. Set up your free consultation right now by calling us at 1-855-WINNING (946-6464) or reaching out to our team online.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
