Important Mistakes to Avoid When Negotiating a Car Accident Settlement

 Settling a car crash is an exhausting and challenging ordeal. Whether it is physical harm, emotional trauma, or financial stress because of medical bills and vehicle repair, negotiating the settlement properly is important.

Most individuals get into settlement negotiations without preparation, which significantly lowers their typical car accident settlement amount or jeopardizes their claims. Understanding the common mistakes in car accident settlements guarantees afair and just settlement. Let us have a look at some of the common mistakes to avoid.

Accepting Responsibility

This is the most frequent mistake and could be catastrophic for the entire settlement negotiation. Admitting fault at the accident site or during the first conversation with an insurance agent can be considered an admission of guilt, which compromises your claim.

Any fault in an accident has to be established based on evidence and not emotions or assumptions. Therefore, use police reports, witness accounts, and investigation reports before making any statements.

Delaying Medical Attention

Delaying seeking medical attention following an accident can negatively affect your settlement negotiation. Whether you think the injury is minor or that your body will heal itself after a while, you risk not having concrete evidence of injury from the accident.

Insurance companies can argue that delays in obtaining medical treatment suggest your injuries weren’t as bad, and therefore, the claims or payouts will be significantly reduced. Always see a doctor right after an accident and keep all diagnosis and treatment records as proof while negotiating accident settlements.

Inadequate Documentation of Accident

You must record the accident properly to set a strong case in settlement proceedings. Failure to obtain all proof of the accident at the site, with photographs, videos, and witness contact information, makes your case weaker. Document all aspects of the accident, such as repair quotes, medical expenses, and lost time from commitments such as work, to create a strong case.

Accepting the First Offer

Never accept the initial offer. Insurers normally come up with quick settlement offers in the expectation that the victim will accept a lower amount than they actually deserve. As tempting as the initial settlements could be, always demand a greater amount that is backed by the evidence collected from the accident.

Remember, once you accept the initial offer, you relinquish your right to pursue other compensation that might be in your favor. Consider the overall damages and compare them with the offer before you settle for something.

Negotiating With an Insurance Adjuster Without Legal Counsel

As much as you’d like to discuss the accident with an insurance adjuster, it is advisable to have legal support so that you don’t get shortchanged. Adjusters are well-trained to make the settlement lower and can use your words to lower the claim value.

Get legal advice so that you are in a position to respond to their leading questions and can refrain from saying something that can hurt the settlement contract. Injury attorneys will keep your interests secure and communicate professionally.

Forgetting Non-Economic Damages

Most victims only negotiate for material costs such as repairs and medical bills. This, however, excludes non-economic damages like pain, emotional distress, decrease in quality of life, and, in some cases, long-term disability.

Quantifying non-economic damages is a skill that one needs to master to calculate such expenses in the court of law. Not listing such damages in the settlement can significantly reduce your compensation.

Conclusion

Negotiating a car accident settlement is not all about form-filling and phone calls. The process requires careful negotiation with a clear strategy. Staying away from the common pitfalls addressed in this article will enable you, as a victim, to get the most out of the negotiation of the settlement. Be well-prepared and alert so that your rights are protected and the settlement is an accurate reflection of the damages incurred.