The first offer is likely never going to be what you want to hear. But how do you say no to your insurance company in a way that keeps the negotiation alive?
Know your damages. If you don’t know what you have spent or will spend in total on your accident, then you can’t even begin
- to negotiate. You need to gather your repair bills, medical bills, lost wages, future medical costs, legal costs, and intangibles like pain and suffering. Only then can you begin to arrive at a number to negotiate.
- Consider the risks and benefits. If you get a settlement you like, be sure and read the fine print. Does it prohibit you from suing in the future? Is the insurance company offering something other than a cash settlement that might be worth taking?
- Are you ready to negotiate? Negotiating is hard and stressful, and the insurance company has professionals to do it for them. Do you feel confident in taking them on to get what you want? Attorneys don’t just take court cases-they negotiate out of court for clients all the time. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you through all these steps, from figuring out what a fair settlement looks like to evaluating offers and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
At Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C., our attorneys have more than 40 years dedicated to giving clients the attention, advice, support and empowerment they need to effectively meet their goals. We are committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal justice under the law. If you or a loved one has been injured and is seeking a qualified personal injury attorney, contact our Huntington, West Virginia office to speak with an attorney about your case, or call 304-521-4636.