When an insurer makes you an offer after an accident, the amount might shock you. This is rarely because the offer is so impressive though. Many accident victims find that the insurer lowballs them after an accident, even if the accident was clearly the fault of their policyholder. In situations like this, you need to be ready to fight for more robust compensation. A Bexar County, Texas personal injury lawyer from our firm may be able to help you with that.
Why Would an Insurer Make Such a Low Offer?
Generally, an insurer is going to try and pay as little as possible to accident victims. They do the math and they figure out a number that might look attractive to a victim, but it’s the least that the insurer can get away with paying. They want you to take a lowball offer and move on because if you have your injuries and expenses properly evaluated, you’ll know that they should be giving you far more money.
How Can I Calculate My Damages?
If you are going to make a counteroffer, you should try and calculate your damages. This can be easy for economic damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. You should have bills or estimates that can be added together.
Calculating non-economic damages can be tougher. You should also be reimbursed for pain and suffering after an accident, but how do you figure out how much that’s worth? You can copy the insurance company and use a “multiplier” method. Take your medical expenses and multiply them by a number between 1 and 5. The harder your recovery and the more pain you went through, the higher the number you should pick. The answer to this math problem is how much you should ask for in non-economic damages.
Should I Sue the Insurer?
Now, an insurance company may tell you that the clock is ticking. You do not have time to hire a lawyer and go through the entire production of a personal injury lawsuit. You should just accept a settlement and move on with your life.
This is wrong. You do have time to meet with a lawyer. You have two years to sue after an accident injures you. We still recommend acting quickly and getting the legal process started as soon as possible, but know that the insurance company is lying to you if they say there is no time to negotiate a higher settlement.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Your lawyer can help you evaluate your injuries and build a stronger case against an insurer. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Gather evidence
- Negotiate with an insurer on your behalf
- Defend you from accusations of wrongdoing
- Work with accident recreation specialists who can help reinforce your claims
- Answer your questions about the legal process
- Consult with medical experts about your injuries and prognosis
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Team
When you are ready to fight for the compensation that you deserve, contact Sahadi Legal Group and schedule your free consultation. Our team will do their best to help you secure a better settlement offer.
