How Do I Know if the Other Driver’s Insurance Company is Offering a Fair Settlement?

It’s highly likely the other driver’s car insurance company’s first offer will be low and thus not a fair settlement. So, it’s wise not to accept it. Personal injury claims are complex. Determining the value of these cases requires analytical and investigative skills to compensate you for pain and suffering, a loss of income or inability to earn a living, and your medical expenses, among others. In addition, it is necessary to consider not only your current damages but also your future losses.

Our team at Kogan & DiSalvo has the experience, dedication, and tenacity to fight for your rights to a fair settlement. A car accident lawyer from our firm is ready to help you maximize your recovery. Contact us for a free consultation, and we will be happy to review your case and determine if you have a viable personal injury claim.

The insurance adjusters are not on your side

While obtaining a fair settlement from an insurance company is possible, you should not assume they will deal with you in good faith. Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, which means their goal is to pay as little as possible for your claim.

There are times when an adjuster will aggressively push a low offer in hopes of settling an injury claim for pennies on the dollar. Unfortunately, these offers are often accompanied by tactics that intimidate you into accepting. For example, adjusters might threaten to pull the offer and refuse to negotiate, making it seem like you have little choice but to accept.

These adjusters also know that when it comes to dealing with injury victims directly, they have an advantage. Unlike an attorney, you likely do not have extensive experience negotiating or evaluating a personal injury settlement. Insurance adjusters use this to push you toward a low settlement offer.

What factors impact the value of my settlement?

Each personal injury case is different. That means there is no uniform way to evaluate a settlement offer and determine if it is fair. Instead, it is necessary to assess each case individually to determine the appropriate value of an injury claim. The factors that determine what your settlement is worth could differ substantially from someone who was injured in a similar accident. Some of these factors include the following:

• Your medical bills. The cost of medical care is one of the most critical factors in an injury case. Not only will it determine the value of your past and future medical damages, but it could also impact your pain and suffering claim.
• Liability. Whether or not you were at fault for the accident is important. Sharing responsibility could reduce the offer made by the other side.
• Physical pain. Your physical pain is another factor to consider in these cases. Pain can impact your quality of life and reduce your ability to earn a living in the future.
• Insurance. The insurance policy held by the at-fault driver is also important. The offer you receive will be limited based on the policy limits. However, an insured driver is more likely to make you a reasonable settlement offer than someone uninsured.
• Act Quickly. The longer you wait to pursue a personal injury claim, the less likely you will secure a fair offer. If you file your lawsuit after the expiration of the statute of limitations, the insurance company will not offer to settle with you at all.

We are ready to help you review the above factors and determine how they apply to your case.

Call Kogan & DiSalvo for a free consultation

The most important step you can take before settling your personal injury case is to speak to our team at Kogan & DiSalvo. Our firm understands how to maximize financial compensation in these cases, and we will never bow to the tactics of insurance adjusters. Before you attempt to negotiate your own settlement, reach out to the team at Kogan & DiSalvo for a free consultation; there is no obligation to hire us. In addition, we work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.