If you've been in an accident, one of the first things you'll need to do is file an insurance claim. And while it's tempting to try and handle the entire process yourself in order to save time and money, negotiating with an insurance company can be a complicated and overwhelming task.
That's why it's always best to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Why you should never negotiate with an insurance company
1. The insurance company is not your friend.
It's important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side—they're a for-profit business, and their bottom line will always come before your needs. As such, they will likely do whatever they can to minimize the money they have to pay out on your claim, even if that means giving you less than you deserve.
2. You need to learn all the ins and outs of the law.
There are myriad laws governing car accidents, which can vary from state to state—unless you're a legal expert, chances are you're not familiar with them. This lack of knowledge puts you at a disadvantage when dealing with an insurance company, which will likely take advantage of your lack of legal expertise in order to lowball you on your settlement offer concerning your traffic accident claims.
3. Insurance companies train their adjusters to lowball you.
It's not uncommon for insurance companies to train their adjusters to minimize payouts, as they aim to protect their bottom line. Adjusters are often incentivized to settle claims for as little as possible. However, it's essential to remember that this practice isn't universal across all insurance companies, and many adjusters strive to handle claims fairly and ethically.
When dealing with insurance matters, it's crucial to have the right support. Learn more about why negotiating with insurance companies might not be the best approach in this insightful article about AllCity Adjusting.
If you feel that you're being lowballed by an insurance adjuster, here are some steps you can take:
Know Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance policy, including coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. This knowledge can help you understand what you're entitled to and negotiate effectively.
- Document Everything: Provide thorough documentation of the damages, including photographs, receipts, and estimates from reputable contractors or repair professionals. This evidence strengthens your claim and can support your request for a fair settlement.
- Seek Multiple Estimates: Obtain estimates for repairs or replacements from multiple sources to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the cost. This can help you challenge any undervaluation by the insurance adjuster.
- Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster: If you're facing difficulties negotiating with the insurance company, you may consider hiring a public adjuster. Public adjusters work on behalf of policyholders to maximize their insurance claim settlements. However, keep in mind that they typically charge a percentage of the settlement amount.
- Appeal the Decision: If you believe the insurance company's settlement offer is unjust, you have the right to appeal the decision. Provide additional evidence or documentation to support your claim and request a reconsideration of the settlement amount.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a policyholder. Each state has regulations governing insurance practices, and insurance companies are required to adhere to certain standards of conduct.
- Consider Legal Assistance: As a last resort, you may consider seeking legal advice or representation, especially if you believe the insurance company is acting in bad faith or violating your rights under the policy.
Remember to remain persistent and advocate for yourself throughout the claims process. While insurance negotiations can be challenging, staying informed and proactive can help you achieve a fair outcome.
4. You could end up jeopardizing your health and well-being.
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be a stressful and emotional experience—and when emotions are running high, it's easy to make decisions that you might later regret, like accepting a lowball settlement offer from a company without fully understanding the repercussions of doing so.
By working with an experienced accident lawyer who can help guide you through this difficult time and ensure that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve.
5. An experienced car accident lawyer will always get you more money than if you went it alone.
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer may seem like an unnecessary expense at first glance, but when you consider all of the advantages they bring to the table—including their expertise in dealing with insurance companies—it quickly becomes clear that working with a lawyer is always going to put more money in your pocket than going at it alone.
Tips for settling down with the companies and claiming your rights
1. Gather evidence about the accident, including pictures and witness statements.
2. Compile all your medical bills, treatments, and other expenses related to the accident.
3. Research the maximum amount of compensation available for your type of claim.
4. Get organized before you begin negotiations with the company—make sure all your paperwork is in order and easily accessible.
5. Always be prepared to counter any lowball offers from the company.
6. When possible, try to negotiate directly with an adjuster rather than a claims representative or customer service representative who may not have as much authority to make decisions on settlement amounts.
Conclusion:
Dealing with a car accident is never fun, but negotiating with a company doesn't make it any easier. By working with an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to deal with these types of situations, you can take some of the stress out of the process and ensure that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve.
