Recently, there have been a lot of accidents that have resulted in injuries. In these accidents, many people end up filing lawsuits against the companies that were responsible for the accident. Of course, the amount of money that a victim can receive as a settlement is usually based on a number of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the claimant’s legal experience, and the fault of the companies involved.
However, no matter what your personal situation may be, an accident attorney can help you get a bigger settlement by using a variety of negotiation tactics. By understanding your rights and knowing how to leverage them to your advantage, you’re sure to achieve the settlement you deserve.
Common Negotiating Tactics an Accident Attorney Can Use
An accident attorney can help you get the biggest settlement possible. This is done by using various negotiation tactics, some of which are explained below.
1. Finding Out What the Settlement Amount Should Be
The first step of any settlement negotiation is to come up with an estimate for the damages that have been done. This can be done by interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and doing other types of research. After estimating the total damage, an accident attorney can try to get companies involved in the accident to agree to a certain dollar amount. If companies refuse this offer, then a larger settlement might need to be negotiated.
2. Making Offers That Are Higher Than What Companies Are Willing or Able To Pay
Sometimes it’s difficult for companies involved in accidents to come up with a settlement that’s close to the actual damages. This is because they may be worried about potential liability risks. An accident attorney can try to create an offer that’s higher than companies are willing or able to pay, which can force them into a settlement situation.
3. Negotiating on a Contingency
Most accident settlements involve some kind of payment from the companies involved in the accident. However, this doesn’t mean you have to accept their offer immediately. An accident attorney should be able to negotiate on your behalf and get you a better settlement without having any upfront fees or expenses. This can be a very powerful negotiating tool.
4. Litigating Accident Settlements
If companies refuse to pay the damages you’re asking for; an accident attorney may have to file a lawsuit to get your settlement. This can be time-consuming and expensive, but it can also result in a much larger settlement.
5. Representing Yourself In Accident Settlements
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of going to court or negotiating on your own, an accident attorney can also represent you. This can be a great way to get a higher settlement without having to go through any extra hassle.
How To Choose the Right Accident Attorney
When you’re in a car accident, the last thing you want is to be stuck in legal limbo. That’s why it’s important to choose the right accident attorney. Here are a few things that you need to check:
1. Experience
The best accident attorneys have years of experience in the field. This means they know how to negotiate and litigate settlement offers, which will help you get the maximum compensation possible.
2. Licensing and Insurance Status
Ensure the attorney you’re considering has both licensing and insurance status in your state. This will ensure that they are legally qualified to handle your case and are protected from legal risks should something go wrong during the settlement process or a lawsuit is filed.
3. Specialization
Don’t hire an accident attorney who specializes in personal injury litigation (PIL) if you only have car accident injuries involved. This type of lawyer is typically more expensive and may not be as knowledgeable about other types of legal claims, like medical bills or wrongful death damages.
4. Experience with Insurance Companies
Ask your accident attorney how many cases they’ve successfully settled with insurance companies – this will give you a good indication of their negotiating skills. Insurance companies are usually willing to pay out larger settlements than individual car owners, so it’s important to have an attorney who knows how to get the best deal for you.
5. Connection to The Community
Choosing an accident attorney who is well-connected in your local community can be helpful when it comes to finding information or resources about car accidents and settlement negotiations. This type of lawyer will be familiar with all the players involved in car accident cases, which can give you a significant advantage when negotiating on your own behalf.
Conclusion
When choosing an accident attorney, make sure to consider their experience with insurance companies, licensing and insurance status in your state, as well as their specialization. By doing this, you’ll be able to find the best lawyer for your case and get the most compensation possible.
