Motorists usually know that they are able to collect damages for injuries and damages to the vehicle. However, there are several other things that you can also receive compensation for. If you were driving with a computer that was damaged, you can receive compensation. You may also be reimbursed for car rental expenses or out-of-pocket expenses. If you were required to hire a taxi to get home, you may be able to add this to the overall lawsuit or settlement amount.
Document Your Expenses
To receive as much compensation as possible through a settlement, you will need to provide documentation for all of the expenses that you have incurred. This would include the cost of hiring a taxi to get home.
Write a Demand Letter
After you have determined how much money you will lose as a result of the car accident, you must then write a demand letter to the car insurance company. The benefit of a demand letter is that insurance companies are legally obligated to respond to them. The car insurance company will then respond to the demand letter and provide its take on the car accident. You will then begin the process of negotiating with the car insurance company regarding how much you will be compensated for the accident.
Consider Getting an Attorney
Insurance companies will often try to reduce the amount that they pay out for a car accident. Therefore, you may need to work with a car accident attorney that will be able to threaten a lawsuit as a way to force the insurance company to make a fair payout. Also, car accident lawyers know which records you should keep so that you can prove what you owe.
Request the Highest Settlement Possible, within Reason
In the demand letter, you should request the highest insurance payout possible. This will provide you with more room for negotiation because the insurance company will usually offer a lower amount than what you originally request. Then, you can come back with an amount that is lower than what you originally requested, but higher than what the insurance company offered. After several back-and-forth exchanges, you will be able to maximize the amount that you are compensated for. By lowering the amount that you are offering, you are showing that you know what you are doing and you are also showing that you are willing to work reasonably with the insurance adjuster.
Question the Settlement Offer
Also, if the adjuster provides an absurdly low offer, send a letter asking why the offer is so low. Then, when the adjuster responds, address each of the points that the adjuster made. Many times, the adjuster will then raise the settlement offer if you can make a good case as to why you deserve more. While there are things you can do to maximize your settlement, you will usually receive more if you work with a car accident lawyer.
Share18 November 2014
