After a car accident, you will likely need to work with your insurance company to obtain compensation for medical bills or other damages. It is important to understand that this entity is a company looking to make a profit, so you shouldn’t be shocked if they attempt to pay less than what you are entitled to under state law.
Review Your Policy After Receiving a Settlement Offer
Don’t assume that you are being lowballed just because you aren’t happy with a settlement offer. Instead, review your policy to determine what your coverage limits are or if there are any other valid reasons why that offer may be lower than what you expected. In most cases, you have the right to ask for a letter explaining how a settlement amount was calculated.
Talk With a Personal Injury Attorney
It may be in your best interest to talk with an attorney who has experience with the process of making and resolving car accident claims. Legal counsel may be able to work directly with your insurance provider to help you obtain a fair settlement without the need to go to court. Of course, your attorney may be able to represent your interests in court if informal negotiations don’t work out.
Threaten to File a Lawsuit on Your Own
You have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit without hiring an attorney if you don’t think that you are being treated fairly by your insurance company. In some cases, the threat of being taken to court will be enough to open a productive dialogue. If you’re seeking less than $10,000 in damages, it may be possible to take your case to small claims court.
Take the Matter Public
If you have exhausted attempts to resolve the matter privately, it may be a good idea to share your story with a local media outlet. The prospect of receiving bad publicity may be enough for your insurance provider to make a quality offer without having to beg for it. Furthermore, it may be possible to settle the case without the need to follow through with your threat to file a lawsuit.
Recovering from a car accident may be one of the most stressful experiences of your adult life. However, it is important to stand your ground when dealing with an insurance company or anyone else who wants to exploit your pain for their own benefit.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
