Your car accident settlement came in! Now what?
Posted December 26th, 2014 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Auto Accidents.
Here’s a scenario for you: You get into a car accident and although you were injured, your car is totaled. You took great measures in making sure you had all the correct information – the police report, the worth of the car before it was damaged, etc. — before contacting the insurance company. After some time, the insurance adjuster gives you the company’s settlement which turns out to be much lower than what you were expecting. What should you do now?
Many people may think that this offer is the only money you can expect to receive. But that’s not true. Always remember that the first offer from the insurance company is always the lowest number it is willing to offer. It’s the starting point for a negotiation. You have every right to counteroffer. But remember, you need the right proof to support your offer. And that’s why you need an experienced car accident attorney by your side to help with the process.
Here is how the negotiation process really works:
- You receive the initial offer from the insurance company and it’s usually less than what your claim is really worth.
- We will respond to the offer on your behalf with a letter, demanding for a larger claim. Included in the letter will be all the facts about your accident, including any injuries you may have sustained, plus police reports, medical bills and records, and photographs of the damage.
- There will be some haggling between us and the insurance company for a larger claim. The insurance adjuster will also try to go for the lowest number possible. That’s why you need a lawyer, someone who knows exactly how much your case is worth.
- Once a settlement is reached, you will sign a release of liability (which waives your right to sue for more damages), and you will receive the settlement.
It can be a very tricky process, especially if you’re not sure how much your claim is really worth. For more than 26 years, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone has been fighting for the rights of car accident victims in New Jersey. Don’t wait another second. Contact us today for a free consultation.
