After being involved in a car accident, you may have sustained injuries or other damages which you could be entitled to compensation for. You can collect damages through a variety of avenues, most notably an insurance claim. It may be tempting to try to negotiate an insurance settlement by yourself after your car accident, but it is generally not recommended. Continue reading for more information and reach out to a skilled San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer for experienced representation during your claim.
Can I Negotiate an Insurance Settlement By Myself After a Car Accident?
Legally, yes, you have the right to represent yourself during negotiations for an insurance settlement. If your car accident was minor and there is not a significant amount of damage, you may feel comfortable negotiating by yourself. Sometimes representing yourself works out, but oftentimes it can leave you with an insufficient settlement and extensive bills. It is highly recommended that you hire a legal professional to negotiate on your behalf.
Why is it Important to Hire a Lawyer During Insurance Negotiations?
One of the most challenging aspects of the aftermath of a car accident is negotiating with the insurance company. Whether you are discussing matters with your own provider or the at-fault driver’s insurance company, hiring a skilled lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident is important for many reasons, some of the most important being the following.
- Avoid lowball settlements: Because insurance companies are businesses, their main goal is to maximize profits, meaning they will likely try to get you to agree to the lowest possible settlement. Because you do not have experience calculating current and future damages, you may undervalue your claim and accept a lowball offer. Your lawyer, on the other hand, will be able to accurately evaluate your case and negotiate for the compensation that you deserve.
- Knowledge of the law: Insurance claims often involve complex laws, deadlines, regulations, etc. An experienced lawyer will understand the relevant regulations and can guide you through the process to ensure you do not miss important steps, statutes of limitations, or legal options.
- Counter tactics: Insurance companies may implement a variety of tactics, some in bad faith, in an effort to pay you the least amount of compensation possible. Whether they try to deny your claim, refuse to respond, pressure you to sign quickly, delay your claim, or use any other technique, your attorney will understand what they are doing and know how best to respond to their approach.
- Peace of mind: While there are many reasons to hire a lawyer during negotiations, one of the most important is that it will give you peace of mind. By handing off the responsibility to a legal professional, you can reclaim your time and mental health, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on recovering and getting back to your daily life.
If you were involved in an auto accident, reach out to a skilled lawyer at the Law Office of Allister R. Liao, P.C. to schedule your free case evaluation today.