Accident victims often incur expenses, pain and medical problems as a result of an accident, and they may consider negotiating directly with an insurance company for a settlement. The individual may believe that he or she can get more directly from the company themselves than by going through an attorney, who will take a percentage of a settlement.
While it’s true that most Dallas personal injury attorneys do take a percentage of any settlement (or judgment, if the case goes to trial), the net settlement to the client is usually larger by going through a reputable personal injury attorney even after the attorney’s fee than it would be without an attorney. This is because personal attorneys know how to maximize settlements with insurance companies, whereas untrained individuals may not know what to do.
If you do decide to negotiate your own settlement, there are some steps you should take. First, gather evidence – get copies of all your medical records related to the accident, police reports, photos of the scene, statements from witnesses, and any other evidence that could be relevant. You will need to be aware of the statute of limitations – there is only a certain length of time to make a claim for a car accident in Texas, so start early.
Should I negotiate my own settlement?
As you work on your claim, you will probably be offered a settlement from an insurance adjuster – in general, you shouldn’t take the first offer. The insurance company wants you to take a low settlement to make you go away. Don’t accept it unless you are sure that it is fair according to your research and your expenses.
To begin your claim, you would write a demand letter that would show what happened, why it was the other party’s fault, what expenses you incurred as a result, and what other compensation to which you are entitled. You would need to submit documentation to prove your claim.
In most cases, it’s better to hire a personal injury attorney who is experienced with the process. The attorney in most cases will be able to get you a much better settlement, and you will not have to spend your time struggling to figure out the next step in your case. If you’re in Dallas, call the accident attorneys at The Barber Law Firm.
