A Cleveland personal injury lawyer knows that when it comes to car accident insurance claims, negotiations can be one of the most stressful components. How do you know you are getting a fair settlement? How do you know if you are being low-balled?
These and other questions are asked by claimants all the time. In other words, you aren?t alone.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, there were 72,305 injury crashes and 941 fatal crashes in 2011. Additionally, there were 218,917 crashes involving property damage. Obviously, the number of car accident insurance claims filed last year in the state of Ohio was significant.
Tips for Negotiating Your Car Accident Claim?
The following seven things are important to know when negotiating your accident claim:
Know your policy. Know the limits on your insurance policy and how that may impact your claim. Understand your coverage, limits, and any other applicable information that could be relevant to your claim.
Evaluate your claim value. It is very important that you keep all receipts for any car repairs and bills for any medical treatment received. In addition, you should have documentation that shows how much time from work you have missed. Keep all of this information in one folder so you can easily locate it. This will help in calculating the expenses of your accident and injuries.
Assemble any evidence. If someone else was at fault for the car accident, you will need to prove this. Some of the types of evidence that can be helpful when negotiating car accident insurance claims are police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any photographs you are able to take at the scene of the accident.
Make sure you have handwritten documentation of any future medical care you will need. When negotiating, it?s vital that you include this because you could end up paying those expenses down the road if they are not included in the claim. You should also include anticipated future earnings that you will be without during your recovery.
Expect the insurance company to offer less than what you deserve. In fact, you can be sure they will try to settle your claim quickly and at minimal expense. While it might sound enticing to get your money sooner, it may not be a fair amount and could leave you with financial burden.
Set an acceptable minimum settlement. Although you might have a good idea as to the worth of your claim, think about the lowest amount you would accept that will cover your expenses and costs. Remember, that once you accept the insurance company?s offer, additional compensation can never be recovered.
Know when to seek legal advice. A Cleveland personal injury lawyer will be looking out for your best interests. This is so important, especially when you know the insurance company isn?t.
It may be especially helpful to seek legal counsel if the car accident caused you to suffer serious, disabling or life-threatening injuries. Not only could you be entitled to compensation that addresses your medical expenses and lost wages, but other forms of reimbursement may be available as well. For instance, you could be eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish and more.
Seeking Help from a Cleveland Personal Injury Lawyer?
There can be a lot at stake after a car accident, and claimants must file their personal injury claim within the statute of limitations which is two years in Ohio. Call a personal injury lawyer at Mellino Robenalt LLC at 888-457-1147 or 440-333-3800. A Cleveland personal injury lawyer can determine not only who was liable for your accident but help you negotiate a settlement for your car accident insurance claim.
Filed under Articles, Car Accidents.
Tags: Car Accidents
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