If you or a loved one were recently involved and injured in an automobile accident, you are probably asking yourself what you need to do next to seek compensation for your losses. You’ve always thought that, after a car accident, insurance will take care of you, but will it really? The sad reality is, it may not.
Far too many Texas residents who have suffered injuries in car accidents have found out the hard way that insurance providers are not looking out for them but rather the company’s bottom line. Too many people have received settlement amounts that are far less than what they need or even deserve, but they take them because they think they don’t have the option to say no. The truth is, you can say no, and it may be to your benefit to do so.
When you feel insurance is low-balling you
If you hear back from the insurance company and the compensation they are willing to give you just doesn’t seem sufficient or fair, you do not have to respond right away. Take time and think about it. Seek an outside opinion. When ready, accept or reject the offer. Rejecting the settlement terms does not mean you’ll end up walking away with nothing; it just opens the door to negotiations.
Send a demand letter
If you decide to refuse the insurance provider’s initial compensation package, you have a short window of time to send a demand letter asking for more. In the letter, you’ll want to include:
- Details of the accident
- Description of the injuries suffered
- A list of resulting damages
- The amount you wish to receive
If you do not feel comfortable writing this letter, the good news is, you don’t have to. You don’t have to deal with the insurance provider on your own at all. You have the right to turn to legal counsel who will take care of all of it for you and do what is necessary to fight for the relief you need. After the insurance provider reviews the letter, negotiations can begin if it rejects your demands.
What if negotiations fail?
Car accident settlement negotiations can take time but are usually effective. Most insurance providers will do whatever they can to avoid litigation, as it is even more time consuming and expensive. If, however, negotiations do fail, you may choose to utilize an alternative dispute resolution method or take the matter to court if you feel it will serve your best interests. With the right person helping you through this whole situation, you can be sure you are doing everything in your power to seek maximum relief for your losses.
