Most personal injury cases are settled with the insurance company outside of the courtroom. But, it’s not easy to reach a fair settlement. Negotiating with the insurance company is stressful, especially if you are trying to recover from your injuries at the same time. If you are in the process of negotiating a settlement, here are four things you must know before settling with your insurance company:
The Insurance Company Does Not Have Your Best Interests in Mind
The insurance adjuster who contacts you shortly after your accident may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being. But, it’s important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their employer’s bottom line by settling claims for as little as possible. They may seem friendly, but they do not have your best interests in mind.
The Long-Term Consequences of Your Injuries
A settlement should cover your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But, it’s impossible to estimate your future damages if you don’t understand the long-term consequences of your injuries. You must wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement, which is the point at which no further improvement in your condition is expected. At this point, you can determine how the injury will affect you in the future so you can accurately calculate the value of your claim.
You Cannot Ask For More Compensation in the Future
There are no do-overs in personal injury cases. The insurance company will usually ask you to sign a liability waiver before you receive money from the settlement. If you sign this waiver, you are giving up your right to seek additional compensation for your injuries from the insurance company in the future. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you are getting every penny of compensation you deserve before accepting a settlement.
You Don’t Have to Accept An Unfair Offer
Negotiations with the insurance company may stall for one reason or another. But, it’s important to know that accepting an unfair offer is not your only option in this situation. If you can’t reach a fair settlement, you can take your case to court by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This option is always on the table, so there’s no need to feel pressured into accepting an unfair offer.
Have you been injured? If so, seek legal representation from experienced attorney Martin Gasparian before settling with your insurance company. Mr. Gasparian will handle the negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus solely on recovering from your injuries. Schedule a free consultation regarding your case by calling 559-203-3333 or submitting your information at MaisonLaw.com.
