Someone that has sustained an injury in an accident has the right to file a claim with the insurance company of the person that caused the same accident. That should eventually lead to negotiations, and then, hopefully a settlement.
How the claimant should approach the negotiations
There should be in the claimant’s mind some figure, one that represents the minimal acceptable offer. In other words, it could be viewed as the claimant’s bottom line. Still, claimants should feel free to change their bottom line during the course of negotiations. For example, if the adjuster’s initial bid were close to that bottom line, that the claimant might want to select a higher.
All claimants should plan to reject the adjuster’s first offer. Any attempt to jump at that first offer would fail to ensure achievement of a fair settlement.
How the claimant should respond to the adjuster’s offers
If the adjuster were to make a low-ball offer, then the claimant’s response should be measured. It should entail an attempt to seek reasons for the ridiculously low offer. Then, once the reasons are known, the next step should involve writing a letter that addresses each of those reasons.
Throughout the negotiations, the claimant’s response to any offer ought to emphasize any emotional points. In fact, that approach should be taken even before the 2 parties start negotiating. That means that it pays to attach some eye-popping photos to a demand letter.
Later, claimants ought to mention things like how the effects of the accident have disrupted their life. In addition, if could help to call attention to the frequency with which accidents have happened at that particular location.
Situations that could be handled best with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer
A claimant has serious injuries: In this case, it makes sense to seek money for future medical bills. Injury Lawyer in Kingston know how to go after those sorts of funds.
Claimant wants to seek future damages: This situation was mentioned earlier.
There is a question of fault. When claimants’ actions include that of retaining a lawyer, their chances for discovery of unseen damages increases. A lawyer’s investigation could reveal more than just evidence that the other party was at-fault. It might suggest the possible existence of overlooked damages.
Tips for claimants that decide against retaining a lawyer
Exercise patience. Always wait for a response, before altering a previous offer. Do not appear angry or frustrated. Never reduce a demand until a new offer has been made. Be persistent. Do not hesitate to set a deadline, after asking a question. That would show the need for an answer within a certain amount of time, the span before the deadline.
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