How to Negotiate with Insurance Adjusters for a Bigger Settlement After a Car Accident

You’ve just been in a car accident in Columbus, Ohio. You’re hurt, your car is damaged, and now you have to deal with the insurance company. It’s a stressful situation, made worse when the adjuster offers a settlement that barely covers your expenses. You know you deserve more, but how do you get it?

Negotiating with insurance adjusters can be tricky, but with the right approach and the help of a skilled car accident attorney, you can secure the compensation you need to move forward.

The Insurance Adjuster’s Agenda

Insurance adjusters have one primary goal: to protect their company’s financial interests. They’re not concerned with ensuring you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. In fact, they’re rewarded for settling claims as quickly and cheaply as possible.

This means that the first settlement offer you receive is likely to be an unreasonably low amount. The adjuster might pressure you to accept, claiming it’s the best they can do. Don’t fall for it. With a bit of patience and perseverance, you can usually negotiate a significantly higher payout.

Building Your Case for a Higher Settlement

To convince the adjuster to offer a more substantial settlement, you need to present a strong, well-documented case. This involves:

• Gathering evidence: Collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene and your injuries. The more proof you have of the other party’s fault and the extent of your damages, the harder it will be for the adjuster to deny your claim.
• Calculating your damages: Don’t just consider your current medical bills. Factor in future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and any other losses related to the accident. An experienced attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim.
• Presenting a compelling argument: When you counter the adjuster’s initial offer, back up your demand with clear evidence and persuasive arguments. Emphasize the severity of your injuries, the long-term impacts on your life, and the strength of your legal case.

The Importance of Patience and Persistence

Negotiating a fair personal injury settlement takes time. Insurance adjusters know this and often use delay tactics to wear down claimants. They might take days or weeks to respond to your calls or emails, hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept a lower offer.

Don’t let these strategies discourage you. Stay calm, persistent, and professional in your communications. Keep detailed records of every interaction with the adjuster, and don’t be afraid to follow up if you haven’t heard back.

Knowing When to Involve a Car Accident Attorney

While it’s possible to negotiate with insurance adjusters on your own, there are situations where it’s in your best interest to involve a car accident attorney. These include cases involving:

• Severe injuries or permanent disabilities
• Disputed liability or complex legal issues
• Low settlement offers or bad faith insurance practices
• The need for expert witnesses or accident reconstruction

An experienced attorney can level the playing field against the insurance company’s legal team. They can handle all communications with the adjuster, build a strong case on your behalf, and fight for the maximum compensation possible. If negotiations stall, they can also file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Ohio-Specific Considerations

When negotiating a car accident settlement in Ohio, there are a few state-specific factors to keep in mind:

• Statute of limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to compensation.
• Comparative negligence: Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can’t recover any damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Minimum insurance requirements: Ohio drivers must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. If the at-fault driver has only minimal coverage, it could limit your settlement amount.

An attorney well-versed in Ohio personal injury law can help you navigate these considerations and protect your rights throughout the negotiation process.

Get the Settlement You Deserve with The Jones Firm

At The Jones Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. You’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of trying to get your life back on track. The last thing you need is the added burden of fighting with an insurance company.

That’s where we come in. Our dedicated team of Columbus car accident attorneys has the knowledge, skills, and resources to stand up to the insurance giants and demand the compensation you deserve. We’re not afraid to play hardball in negotiations or take your case to trial if necessary.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Columbus, don’t accept a lowball settlement offer. Contact The Jones Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Let us handle the insurance company while you focus on what’s most important – your recovery and your future.