Although car accident victims shouldn’t settle unless they feel they’re accepting a fair offer, many car accident injury claims do settle before going to court. Any accident victim can receive a good settlement for his or her collision—with the help of the right legal team.

To help ensure that you have the upper hand in settlement talks, contact a car accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates today.

Preparation and Patience

One of the most important factors in trying to receive a comprehensive settlement is having a clear figure in mind. Taking everything into account, formulate a minimum amount you would be willing to acceptalthough you shouldn’t tell this number to anyone other than your lawyer.

Knowing this lower limit will help you not give in to an offer you find unreasonable, even if the prospect of a quick settlement is tempting.

While your demands must be firm, you also have to be willing to shift your outlook on compensation, should new evidence stick you with more blame. Because the first offer you will be presented with will likely be low, it’s a good idea to be patient.

Make a reasonable counteroffer, present your evidence and side of the argument again, and repeat until you’re presented with a settlement you consider fair.

Tips and Tricks

One of the best ways to help ensure that your claim has the best chance of success is to hire an experienced lawyer. Other tips include the following:

  • Having photographed or written documentation of all items important to your case
  • Not sending medical records to the defendant’s insurer
  • Making sure the insurer budgets adequately for your claim
  • Documenting all injuries and losses you’ve sustained (e.g., medical bills, lost wages or earning potential, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, repair or replacement of vehicle, etc.)
  • Filing a suit, if possible and practical, to pressure the insurance company into taking your claim seriously

How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Although not all settlements require that you retain a legal team, it can certainly help—particularly in more precarious situations.

For instance, if you believe that your injuries warrant many thousands of dollars in compensation, your burden of proof will be much higher than that of many other plaintiffs. A lawyer can help you gather the appropriate evidence to demonstrate why you need a full and fair settlement.

Also, many car accident victims may not know what to make of a settlement offer from the insurance company. Is it too low, or is it just about right? A qualified car accident attorney can help you understand the extent of your damages and the compensation you’ll need to return to your normal life.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer

Anyone who has tried to negotiate with an insurance company knows that the dirty work is sometimes best left to those who have experience dealing with adjusters and insurance tactics.

To give yourself a great chance of receiving the best settlement possible, contact a car accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates today. Call us at 1-800-404-9000 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation.