Two Keys to Negotiating With Insurance Companies (Other Than “Don’t Do It Yourself”)

That “Flo” from the insurance ad sure seems nice, as does the talking gecko from that other insurance company. But when auto insurance companies or other insurers negotiate with an injury victim in an attempt to settle a claim, being nice is the farthest thing from their mind.

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not the business of being a good neighbor with good hands. Every dollar that they pay out to someone injured due to the negligence of one of their insureds is a dime out of their profits and their shareholders’ pockets.

Insurance companies have decades if not centuries of experience negotiating and settling claims on the cheap, and know that the injured person on the other end of the phone doesn’t. They also know that injury victims who desperately need the money and resources to pay medical bills and other expenses can be tempted to take the money and run, even though they are actually taking significantly less that they deserve or are entitled to.

That’s why the number one rule of negotiating with an insurance company after a car accident or other injury is: DON’T DO IT YOURSELF.

As an experienced personal injury, I know the tactics that insurance companies use and know what they need to hear and see in order get them to step up to the plate and meet their obligations. Make sure you speak with a personal injury attorney before entering into any negotiations with an insurer.

After that number one rule, the two other keys to successfully negotiating with insurance companies are:

1. Be prepared to go all the way. Insurance companies don’t want to go to trial; trials are expensive and juries can be unpredictable. When they know the attorney on the other side is prepared and has the commitment to take a matter to verdict, they will be more inclined to settle at a reasonable and appropriate amount if for no other reason that it may save them legal fees and a potentially larger verdict in the end.

2. Know your stuff. When an insurance adjuster knows that the attorney has thoroughly investigated a case, knows the evidence, understands the law, and can’t be fooled by their tactics, they’ll know they are in for a battle and that getting out cheaply is simply not an option. That itself will loosen the purse strings.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or other incident that was the result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, don’t go it alone. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries, and you deserve to have an attorney on your side who has the skill, experience, and dedication to get results.

At The Parian Law Firm, our metro Atlanta personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the resources and compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life. Please give us a call today (770) 727-5550 or fill out an online contact form at www.westgalawyer.com.