When involved in a car you have to deal with several parties like the other driver, police, witnesses and the insurance companies. Insurance companies are the most dreaded to work with. They tend to do all in their power to ensure they avoid compensating you, and in case they do, then they pay the least possible.
To help you receive your rightful compensation, here are the top tips when dealing with the insurance company:
Negotiate in Good Faith
While you might have prejudices and prejudgment against insurance companies, enter every negotiation level headed. Have your desired numbers from the start and stay open to asking the company to raise their offering if you don’t like it. Always look to settle without necessarily going for a lawsuit.
Also, get to understand what informs the amount the insurance company offers, and come up with sufficient rebuttal.
Do not Accept Liability
One of the cardinal rules when it comes to car accidents is to never accept liability. No matter how much you might be responsible for the accident, it is not in your place to accept the liability. The liability not only denies you compensation but can also be costly as you need to pay for the damages and other costs from the accident.
In some cases, the law entitles you to compensation even if you are reliable, for up to 50%. Do not rely on it as it reduces the amount you are eligible for from the insurance.
Work with a Qualified Lawyer
To avoid paying you the rightful amount, most insurance companies contract some of the top adjusters and attorneys. Launching a lawsuit by yourself is quite hectic as you don’t have the expertise to face the insurance company’s legal team. That is where an experienced car accident attorney in Ventura, CA comes in.
With the experience and financial ability, the lawyer will collect all the needed evidence for the claim. The lawyer understands all the procedures and will only enter a settlement when you are satisfied. If not, they will file your lawsuit.
Provide Sufficient Evidence
Proof of claim is the most important part of a claim. Back up your claim with every possible evidence like medical records, police report and witnesses accounts. The evidence not only shows proof of damage but also determines how much you are entitled to.
Collect all the evidence right from the accident by interviewing witnesses. Also, take several pictures of the accident scene and keep all the medical records.
Present all Recoverable Damages
The main need for compensation is to set you back to your normal state before the car accident. Factor in all the expenses whether financial, emotional and physical. Do not forget the possibility of future implications. Present these figures such that you won’t have to endure any hardship even after compensation.
Conclusion
Most people dread facing insurance companies as they are known not to have the claimant’s interests at heart. Well, all you need is to negotiate in good faith, don’t accept liability, and work with an experienced car accident lawyer.