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Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience. In this situation, you don’t want to have to worry about paying for treatment and medical bills; your main concern should be getting well. Unfortunately, car insurance companies for at-fault drivers may attempt to offer you a low-ball settlement that does not meet your financial needs. Learn what to do if you’re offered an insufficient settlement offer.
Rejecting the Settlement Offer and Submitting a Counter-Offer
Many car insurance companies want cases to end in settlement because it’s less expensive and it saves them money in court fees. It’s important to keep in mind that car insurance companies’ top priority is profits, and they will do anything to protect their bottom line. This typically involves offering low-ball settlements to victims whom their insured have harmed.
When you first hear from the at-fault driver’s car insurance company and the settlement is too low for your needs, you have the option to decline the offer and make a counter-offer. When writing a counter-offer, keep the following in mind:
Do not fire off a quick, emotional response to a low settlement offer. Remain courteous and professional, and make sure all communication with the insurance company is in writing.
Do not respond to the low offer with an unreasonably high counter-offer, as you are not likely to receive it. If you received a $20,000 settlement offer and you know the other person can only pay $30,000, keep your counter-offer reasonable—somewhere in the $30,000 to $35,000 range.
Include copies of your medical bills to illustrate why you need more money than the first settlement offer provided.
Need Help Negotiating an Offer? Contact Us Today
Negotiating with car insurance companies can be difficult, particularly when you need to focus on recovering from your injuries. During this time, it’s best to contact a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you through the process and ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation.
Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of collective experience ready to work for you. We’re dedicated to helping those affected by car accidents, and we have recovered over $400 million for our clients.
If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, contact Meyerkord & Kurth at (800) 391-4318 for a free case consultation today.