If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then you probably want compensation for your losses, and you probably want it fast. But moving fast in the legal arena can lead to mistakes. This is especially true when it comes to negotiations pertaining to car accident claim settlements. If you don’t take the time to thoroughly analyze your case and develop competent negotiating strategies, then you might lose out on the compensation that you deserve.
Here’s what you can do to strengthen your position at negotiations
There are a lot of negotiation tactics out there. Here are some things you can do to position yourself as best as possible going into settlement negotiations.
- Use the strengths of your case as leverage. If you have compelling evidence that shows the other side’s negligence, then be ready to lay that on the table and discuss how it’ll play out in court if the matter goes to trial.
- Be prepared to counter claims of comparative negligence. The defense might try to blame you for the accident, at least partially, as a way to reduce payable damages. By knowing the weak spots of your case, you can be prepared to counter those claims.
- Have evidence that shows the value of your case. You need to have a figure in mind when you sit down for talks. That number needs to be based on your actual and anticipated economic and noneconomic losses. But you can’t just come up with a number. You need to have justifiable calculations at hand.
- Don’t be a pushover. Far too often, insurance companies and negligent drivers bully victims into low settlements. Don’t let this be you. Confidently stand up for what you deserve. You can find this confidence by being prepared, as discussed above.
It can be intimidating to push for what you want during negotiations, even if the process appears somewhat amicable. This is where a legal professional can assist you. They can help you gather evidence, develop legal strategies, and preset arguments that further your interests. Hopefully then you can secure an outcome that is right and just.
