YOUR FIGHT WILL BE BASED ON THESE FACTORS:
WHO’S THE INSURANCE COMPANY?
The company you’re dealing with matters a lot. Are they easy to settle with, or do they file a lot of lawsuits? How big is the company? Do they tend to make bigger or lower offers? Do your homework-- they’ll be doing their homework on you.
WHO IS THE ADJUSTER?
The adjuster on your case will directly affect its outcome. Are they new or are they experienced? Do they have any history of being generous? Are they deceptive in their motives? Will they intentionally delay your case or only offer partial medical compensation?
DO YOU HAVE A LAWYER?
A respected car accident lawyer moves the needle in your favor more than any single factor of your case. If the adjuster knows your lawyer will file lawsuits and won’t settle for less than your case is worth, it can have a huge impact on negotiations.
HOW SHOULD YOU NEGOTIATE?
Knowing who you’re fighting against all comes together to form your negotiation strategy. If you know certain things about their practices or their adjusters, you can figure out their tactics and how to get their max offer.
What else is unique about the insurance company you're fighting?
HERE'S OUR FOUR-STEP PROCESS
FOR FIGHTING INSURANCE COMPANIES LIKE A PRO:
HERE'S OUR FOUR-STEP PROCESS
FOR FIGHTING INSURANCE COMPANIES LIKE A PRO:
1. Find Out the Insurance Companies
Always get the other driver’s insurance information at the scene, either from the driver or from the police officer. You want to have this information as early as possible because you don’t want any delays in your ability to file a claim with their insurance.
2. File a Claim With Their Insurance
As soon as you are able, file a claim with the at-fault insurance company. When you file a claim, you won’t be speaking with an adjuster-- just the person collecting information. But get the adjuster’s information for your claim if you can.
3. Speak Carefully With the Adjuster
The Adjuster is not trying to help you… they are trying to save their company money on your case. So don’t tell them anything they don’t need to know, especially with regard to your injuries. Stick to the facts of the case, and discuss your injuries with your doctor.
4. Send a Demand Letter Package
After your claim has been submitted, a Demand Letter needs to be sent to the insurance company that details your records and medical bills, summarizes your unique case and its full legal value, and presents an Offer for Settlement so a settlement can be negotiated.
Adjusters will generally ask a few questions, the most common of which are “Can you make a recorded statement?” “Where is your vehicle?” and “What are your injuries?” It’s strongly recommended that you consult with a lawyer before answering any of these questions. None of them are designed to help you; they’re designed to make you say something that can be used to devalue your case later on. Adjusters aren’t your friends… keep your guard up and stick to the details of the accident at all times.
