Getting hurt in an accident is hard enough already. You’re in pain, you’re stressed out, and you’re just trying to get back to normal. But then comes the part where you have to deal with the insurance company and try to get a fair Personal Injury settlement for your injuries. And let’s be honest: that part can feel pretty overwhelming.
Most personal injury (PI) cases don’t go to court. They usually get settled through negotiations, which means how you handle the process can make a huge difference. Say the wrong thing or miss a step, and you might not get what you really deserve.
If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out to personal injury attorneys can be a smart move. They know how to handle these situations and can guide you through the process.
4 Tips to Help You Negotiate a Better Personal Injury Settlement
These four tips can come in handy when you’re negotiating a personal injury settlement.
Knowing the value of your case
If you want to negotiate a better settlement, the first thing you need to do is learn how much your case is worth. How can you fight for what you deserve if you don’t even know what that is?
Your case value is basically the amount of money that could cover everything you’ve lost or gone through because of the accident. This includes stuff like
• How serious your injuries are
• How much your medical bills are
• How long you’ve been out of work
• How the accident has affected your life overall
For example, if you broke a bone or suffered a major injury, your case will probably be worth more than if you just had a few scratches. Severe injuries usually mean more significant medical bills and more time off work.
But it’s not just about money for doctors or missed paychecks. It’s also about how your injury has changed your life. Maybe you can’t do some of the things you used to love, or everyday life has just gotten harder. That matters too, and it should be included in your settlement.
Hire the best personal injury lawyer you can find
Insurance companies are really good at paying less than they should. But a lawyer? They know how to stand up to them and fight for what your case is actually worth. They’ll also explain legal concepts in a way that makes sense so you’re never left confused.
Most personal injury settlement lawyers don’t ask you to pay anything upfront. They only get paid if you win, by taking a small part of your money. This is called a contingency feearrangement. This makes it way easier for you to hire one without worrying about extra costs.
Invest considerable time into gathering evidence
If you do not collect strong evidence before going to court, it would be much harder to explain why you need money for things like medical bills, missed work, or other expenses from the accident.
A personal injury settlement lawyer can help with all of this. They know exactly what evidence you need and how to use it to get a better settlement. With proper proof and someone fighting for you, your chances of success will be considerably high.
Maintain patience
It’s pretty normal for a PI case to feel like it is taking forever to seal a deal. All the back-and-forth between lawyers, insurance companies, and everyone involved can drag on for weeks or even months. But then again, if you rush, you might end up with way less than you actually need.
Being patient also gives your lawyer time to do their job properly. They can fight for a better deal and make sure the other side isn’t taking advantage of you.
So, let the process take its course. Best believe you will be happy with the proceeds eventually.
