You may be thinking; I’ve done everything to protect myself. How did I manage to get in an accident with another driver? Almost every driver is involved in a car accident, even if you’ve taken precautions to safeguard yourself. If you were injured in a car wreck, you should contact one of our exceptional Kansas City legal professionals at Krause & Kinsman Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. There is never an obligation to hire one of our lawyers to represent you. For this reason, taking advantage of a free, no-hassle case review can give you a better idea of the next steps you should take in your case. If you decide to negotiate a settlement offer with an insurance company without professional representation, here are the do’s and don’ts when it comes to your first settlement offer after a car accident.
- Do: Make sure the adjuster has every piece of information that pertains to your case. When insurance companies have all the correct information from you, this could help you avoid a lowball settlement offer.
- Do: Ask the right questions, find out why the adjuster made the offer they did, and ask them to break down how they reached a settlement value based on the information they have. An insurance adjuster is required to give you an explanation when it comes to their decision, especially if they deny your claim.
- Don’t: Respond emotionally to a low settlement offer. Chances are, the first offer you get doesn’t reflect the amount you deserve. What you say and do can be used against you if you attempt to renegotiate.
- Don’t: Accept the first settlement offer out of fear that you can’t do better. Insurance companies often give the lowest offer as a starting point for negotiations.
The way you respond to an insurance company’s initial settlement offer will carry substantial legal and financial consequences. Even though it may be challenging to keep your emotions in check, keeping calm is in your best interest. Your response can prohibit you from getting any additional compensation. If you want to refuse a settlement offer, you should do so under the advice of an experienced attorney. Our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers can determine the strength of the offer before you reject it.
Contact Us If You Have Questions About a Car Accident Settlement
Our stellar team of dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Krause & Kinsman Law Firm are prepared to protect your rights and peace of mind. We have a wealth of experience dealing with personal injury cases, and our lawyers are ready to guide you through every step of your case. Call us today or contact us online to learn about all your legal options.
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What types of documents will an insurance adjuster need from me?
The insurance company may ask for copies of police reports, medical care invoices, witness statements, and all other pieces of evidence that will help support your claim and prove all the expenses related to your case.
If I’m found partially liable for an accident, will it affect my claim?
Depending upon your degree of fault in the accident, your compensation may be reduced.
When should I file a car accident claim?
Filing a car accident claim as soon as possible is in your best interest. The statutes of limitations in Kansas require an injured individual to file a personal injury claim no later than five years from the date of the accident.
