If you have been involved in an accident and sustained damages that require an insurance claim, you may wonder whether you can negotiate on your own. Technically, yes, you have the right to handle negotiations by yourself. However, just because you can does not mean that you should. To learn more about your legal rights and options during an insurance claim, read on and consult with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer today.
Can I Negotiate With the Insurance Company on My Own?
Yes, you have the right to represent yourself during negotiations with an insurance company. However, while it can be tempting to save money on legal fees, attempting to negotiate on your own can lead to less than ideal outcomes, so it is always recommended that you seek professional legal advice after an accident.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Negotiating your insurance settlement on your own can backfire in more ways than one. First of all, the average person does not have a legal background. One of the most important reasons to hire a lawyer is their in-depth understanding of the law and your rights. Insurance companies may try to get you to settle for less than your claim is worth, especially if you are underestimating what you are entitled to. Your attorney will help you understand the full extent and value of your claim.
Insurance providers often offer lowball settlements, especially for their first offer, as they are trying to get you to accept the least amount possible to save money. Without the help of a skilled lawyer, you may not know how to counteroffer and effectively negotiate for a fairer settlement.
Another common pitfall of forgoing legal representation during negotiations is falling for the insurance company’s tactics. Insurance companies often implement various strategies to try to get you to settle quickly or accept a low offer. They could imply that the first offer is the best you can get, insinuate that you are in for a headache of a legal process, delay responding to you to make you sweat, pressure you to sign early, etc. While these tactics may work on you, your attorney will have seen them all before and can advise you on how best to respond.
Another common mistake for individuals who represent themselves is failing to account for future and long-term damages. Depending on the accident and injury, your losses may have long-term effects like diminishing your earning capacity, future medical expenses you will incur, a future inability to participate in activities and hobbies, and more. Your attorney will be able to accurately assess the full impact the accident has had and will have on your life to ensure the compensation you receive is appropriate.
Attorneys can provide invaluable help during insurance negotiations from their negotiation skills to their in-depth understanding of the law, organizational skills, and more. Reach out to a skilled lawyer at Falcon Law Firm today to discuss your case and secure representation.
