Getting involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience, and trying to settle with the insurance companies can feel like an even larger headache. If you’re going through the process of settling a car accident, it might seem like you’ll never get any resolution – but trust us, there is hope. It’s especially if you’re working with an experienced columbia car accident lawyer. Many times your approach to settling the accident isn’t working because of small details that could easily be overlooked. To help you understand why this happens and how to make it work for your situation, we’ve investigated some important factors that should definitely be taken into consideration when navigating settlement negotiations with insurance companies.
Your Documentation Is Missing Something
If you are trying to settle a car accident, you need to have all the necessary documents in order. Without any accurate or complete documentation, insurance companies will not be inclined to fully consider your case and this could immensely limit the negotiation process. Something as simple as failing to take pictures of the accident scene or get statements from witnesses could be enough to make the process grind to a halt.
You Don’t Negotiate Enough
While insurance companies may be willing to negotiate, they usually aren’t going to offer up a fair settlement right away. You should never accept anything less than what is fair, and that means being willing to negotiate. You should also be prepared to have a few meetings with the adjuster to get the most out of your settlement. Don’t be afraid to push back on an initial offer if it doesn’t meet your expectations – you won’t know what you can get until you start negotiating.
Your Lawyer Is Taking Too Long
While you might feel like you don’t need a lawyer when settling a car accident, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Insurance companies are in it to make money, and they employ skilled adjusters who understand how to get the best possible outcome for the company – not you. A lawyer will help to level the playing field and give you a fighting chance when it comes to settlement negotiations. That said, if your lawyer is taking too long or dragging their feet on getting an agreement from the insurance companies, you might need to find someone else to represent your interests.
Your Timing Is Off
When it comes to settling a car accident, timing is everything. Waiting too long can work against you as the insurance company has more time to argue that the damages weren’t caused by the accident or that they should pay less because of other factors that came into play after the incident. On the flip side, if you try and settle too quickly, you may not have a full understanding of the damages and end up with a lower settlement than what you deserve. Things may go unexpected when you’re trying to seek justice and get the fair commission you deserve following a car accident. Still, with the right approach and understanding of what to expect, you can make sure that your settlement negotiations are successful. With the help of a professional lawyer and thorough documentation, you should be able to get the best outcome for yourself.