Tips For Negotiating The Best Settlement After An Automobile Accident

If you have recently been involved in an automobile accident where you were clearly not at fault, then it is important that you know how to get the best settlement possible to cover your damages. Even if you do not have any previous experience with negotiating a settlement with an insurance company, there are many time-tested strategies you can use to get the best settlement from even the most reluctant insurance company. To this end, here are a few tips you can use to resolve your case in a satisfactory way:

Tip: Keep Complete and Accurate Records After The Accident

The old adage of "knowledge is power" is very true when it comes to resolving your accident settlement. As soon as you get home from your accident, you need to write down your account of the events. Write down as many details as you can remember, whether you think they will be relevant for your settlement or not. Place this document into a large envelope so that you know where it is when you need to refer to it. As you receive medical bills, auto repair bills, and other bills relating to your case, you should place them into this same envelope. Armed with all of your information in your file, you will have everything necessary when the insurance company or your attorney ask you to produce it.

Tip: Never Accept the First Offer of Settlement Your Insurance Company Gives You

As the bills pile up from your automobile accident, you should sit down and calculate a monetary amount that you believe is fair for your settlement. Once the insurance company makes you a settlement offer, then you should compare it to the damages you have suffered. Since the number given to you by the insurance company will more than likely be on the low side, you should never accept the first offer they give you. You should always negotiate a higher settlement and back it up with your documentation to show them why their number is too low if necessary. 

Tip: Hire an Experienced Automobile Accident Attorney to Represent You

Finally, since your insurance company has an entire stable of attorneys on their staff, you are always advised to hire an experienced automobile accident attorney to represent you when negotiating your settlement. Unless your case is simple and cut-and-dry when it comes to damages, an attorney will nearly always get you a better settlement than you are able to negotiate on your own.

For more information, contact local professionals like Knafo Law Offices.


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