5 Mistakes To Avoid When Negotiating Your Personal Injury Settlement 

Accidents happen, but you may be entitled to compensation if you get hurt at the workplace, at an establishment, or on the road through no fault. Personal injury claims are likely to come through depending on certain conditions, and you need the assistance of solid legal representation. 

So, if you want to get what you deserve for your injuries, here are the following mistakes you should avoid amid settlement.  

• Settling For A Small Amount Of Money 

Negotiations can be tricky if you have no idea how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement. That being said, among the helpful tips to remember is never to accept the first initial offer from the insurance company. They will most likely do anything to avoid paying or pay less than you truly deserve.  

When negotiating, learning how anchoring works can help you. Anchoring sets the weight of the first offer as the basis of the starting point when making adjustments around that figure. That means if you mention a specific amount that is too low, that signals the other party that you’re willing to accept what they want to give you, which is less than what should be awarded to you.  

Ask for USD$250,000 at the initial negotiation, and they will know better than to counter with only USD$50,000 for your pain and suffering. It’s advised that at the beginning of the settlement, mention an amount large enough to allow you to negotiate and anchor towards your preferred compensation range.  

• Not Asking Questions 

When you ask for help from a reputable lawyer, you can ask questions and seek advice from your preferred professional. It is your case where you should be fully involved to understand how you can make a personal injury claim properly.  

You don’t have to understand everything about how the law works, but knowing essential things about your case will help you understand what goes on throughout the lifetime of your injury case.  

In any case, you might need to look for another lawyer if you don’t feel that you’re a fit with the current one. That’s also why it’s essential to ask questions before hiring a specific lawyer who will help you navigate your case.  

• Proceeding Without Enough Evidence 

With personal injury claims, you need adequate proof if you wish to proceed with a case against the ones responsible for your injuries. If you only have your word going for you, it won’t be enough even if you present your injuries because the insurance adjuster could easily insinuate that it’s your fault.  

Having enough evidence against the other party is crucial for the success of your case. Taking photos of the area of the accident and witness accounts can help back your claim. Sometimes, a camera will be pointing in the direction of the accident, and you can inform your lawyer about it, who will ask for a copy on your behalf.  

When you have strong evidence against the defendant, it will be harder for them to counter your claim. You also need to produce medical records and statements from your doctor to support the evidence gathered.  

• Making False Or Exaggerated Statements 

If caught lying or exaggerating, personal injury cases can drag on longer than you want or even as quickly as a snap. Personal injury cases require ample evidence, which is why you will lose credibility and the case if you are proven to be falsifying statements or faking or exaggerating injuries.  

Remember that you must see a doctor to obtain a detailed medical report. Only give the necessary facts about the accident and your injuries. The adjuster will do anything for your claim to fail, and if they find a loophole in your report or statements, you will have an even harder time proving your case. 

• Not Hiring An Attorney 

Suppose it’s your first time being in an accident, and you think you can go up against the defendant, their lawyer, and the insurance company. In that case, it’ll be next to impossible to win the case without legal representation.  

Lawyers experienced in personal injury cases know more about the law and the strategies to take. They will also learn about collecting evidence. To begin, they will be able to tell you whether your case is valid and if it’s worth pursuing.  

In Conclusion

A personal injury case requires a systematic approach, especially if it is your first time being in an accident. You should carefully consider some things before acting on them, and if you are unsure what to do, it’s best to seek a lawyer to help you. Lawyers who are experienced in cases like yours and with a good track record of winning give you a higher chance of success.