When you are dealing with a personal injury case, you are hoping that you get the best and most fair settlement that you are entitled to. However, that is not always the case. Insurance companies are profit driven and will always look to save as much money as they can if an accident occurs. They will look out for their own interests so don’t expect them to give you a higher offer right away. If you are given a low-ball offer though, you may be wondering what the right steps to take are. As a personal injury lawyer, there are some things that you can do. Here are some steps you should take if you receive a low settlement offer as a personal injury victim.
Review the Offer
If you receive any offer from the insurance company, be sure to read it closely and evaluate every detail. Make sure that you understand the reason for their offer and are aware of what their company policy limits are. Remember that you are not obligated to accept their offer, and you have a chance to tell them why you are not okay with the offer that they have extended to you. When you are stating your response, keep your tone calm, be firm but polite.
Try Negotiating Again
You may be tempted to respond to the insurance company’s low settlement with your ideal settlement value. However, it is important that you do not give them a number that is much higher than what they would be likely to agree to. Before you accept an offer, see if you can respond with a settlement range that is what you deserve, but also realistic and reasonable.
Delay Accepting a Settlement
A common mistake that many people make is to accept a settlement too early. For example, if you have injuries that have not yet fully healed, there may be additional medical treatment expenses that you have to pay for in the future. If you do not know what your total costs are, it may be better if you wait to accept a settlement until after you have fully recovered.
Contact a Qualified Lawyer
It can be difficult to think of the right response if you are dealing with an insurance company who won’t give you a fair offer to start with. For legal assistance, contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you negotiate the settlement offer that you deserve.