If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by someone else in Kentucky understanding your rights is crucial.
The seasoned personal injury attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer are ready to guide you through the challenges of a personal injury case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Contact us today at (877) 809-5352 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Preparing for Negotiation
Successful negotiation is rooted in thorough preparation. Having an experienced attorney who knows the types of evidence needed to develop your claim offers the best chance of pursuing a favorable personal injury settlement. Taking the following steps will allow your attorneys to negotiate from a strong position with the insurance company.
DO:
- Contact an Attorney – You should have a personal injury attorney review your injury claim and discuss your legal options before dealing with an insurance company or accepting any settlement offer.
- Preserve Evidence – Collect and preserve any potential evidence that shows the other party’s fault and the extent of your injuries. Evidence includes photos, videos, witness testimonies, medical records, and incident reports.
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention – Even if your injuries seem minor initially, you should seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Doing so protects your health and links your injuries to the accident on paper, and documents the extent of your injuries.
- Evaluate Your Claim – A knowledgeable attorney can help you calculate the full scope of your losses, including current and future medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
DON’T:
- Don’t downplay your Injuries – Never minimize your injuries or pain. Insurance companies might seize this as an opportunity to devalue your claim.
- Don’t delay in filing a claim – Delays in contacting an attorney or pursuing a claim can harm your case and diminish your ability to secure a fair settlement.
- Don’t post comments on social media – Any comments or photos you post on any social media about the accident or your injuries can be discovered and potentially used against you to devalue your claim. Even posting family vacation photos may be used by insurance adjusters to call into question the seriousness of your injuries.
- Don’t accept the Initial offer – Insurance companies often make a lowball offer in the early stages of negotiations in hopes that the injured party will accept it. These initial offers are seldom a fraction of the total claim value.
Understanding the Injury and Its Implications
Injuries can range from minor scrapes to life-altering events. A clear understanding of your injury, its medical implications, and its long-term impact is essential to forming a robust negotiation strategy.
Keep all follow-up medical appointments. Your healthcare providers should regularly update your medical records to reflect the ongoing treatment of your injuries and the associated costs. Our attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer will consult with your doctor and take into account your future medical care needs when developing an estimate of your overall medical expenses that should be reimbursed.
Collection of Vital Documents: Medical Records, Incident Reports
Compiling a comprehensive file of all documents can significantly strengthen your claim. The file may include:
- Medical records detailing the severity of your injuries and treatment
- Police or incident reports
- Witness testimony
- Photographic evidence
- Proof of financial losses such as lost wages and property damage
Formulation of a Fair Settlement Amount Estimation
Calculating a fair settlement amount is a critical part of the negotiation process. Doing so involves a careful evaluation of the direct financial costs of your injury along with the harder-to-quantify losses such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life. Because these calculations can be complex, enlisting the services of an experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney is essential to ensure you do not undervalue your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
You should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, limit your communication to the facts of the accident, avoiding giving the adjuster your opinions or assumptions about fault.
Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators, often using techniques to devalue your claim or prompt you to admit liability. Remember that you do not need to agree to a recorded statement or sign any documents without legal consultation.
An attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. The goal of insurance companies is to limit the amount you receive. An attorney can help you demand the money you need to cover your losses.
The Role of Personal Injury Attorneys in Negotiation
Our Kentucky Courage attorneys know how to negotiate personal injury claims effectively. Our legal team can gather evidence to support injury claims and build a solid case for compensation.
Choosing the right attorney is crucial. Look for these essential qualities:
- Experience – The attorney should have a track record of handling personal injury cases similar to your case and negotiating settlements with insurance companies and their lawyers.
- Dedication – The attorney should be committed to your case and advocate fiercely for your rights. Our attorneys have the Kentucky Courage to stand up to big insurance companies when they try to pay too little to settle your claim.
- Communication – An attorney should communicate effectively and keep you informed about your case’s progress.
The team at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer embodies these qualities. Our team brings extensive experience to the table, and we are well-versed in how to negotiate personal injury settlements. We’ll dedicate ourselves fully to your case and advocate for you to receive full and fair compensation. We believe in transparent communication, ensuring that you stay informed about the progress of your case.
Choosing us means working with a Kentucky law firm committed to helping you secure the best possible outcome. Trust us to negotiate with insurance companies, handle all the legal issues, and fight for your rights.
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t owe us a dime unless we obtain an insurance settlement or court award for you. If we win, our fees will be an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement.
The Negotiation Process
To improve your chances of a favorable outcome, your lawyer should:
- Know the Timeline – Negotiation timelines vary with every case. Patience is essential. You should be recovered from your injuries to the point that your present and future medical expenses can be determined. Resist the urge to settle quickly and potentially compromise your rightful compensation.
- Master the Strategies – Our attorneys will be prepared to substantiate your claim with evidence and counter any objections the insurance company raises.
Reaching a Settlement Agreement
Reaching a settlement agreement is a significant milestone. Certain elements need to be reviewed before the settlement is done.
- Identify Essential Components – A settlement agreement should clearly outline all components of the settlement, including the compensation amount, the form of payment, and any confidentiality provisions.
- Finalize and Sign – Your lawyer will go through the settlement agreement with you and make sure you understand it before signing the agreement.
- If An Agreement Can’t Be Reached – If negotiations fail, our attorneys will be prepared to pursue justice for you in court. A jury or judge may then decide the outcome. It’s just another step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
After the Settlement
Once the settlement agreement is signed, funds are usually disbursed within a specific period of time. Be sure to clarify this timeline with your lawyer. Your attorney can help you understand whether some parts of your settlement may be taxable and may recommend that you consult with a tax professional. It’s vital to understand the tax implications and plan accordingly.
Your attorney also can help you address any outstanding obligations, such as medical bills or liens. Any liens will need to be paid out of the settlement funds. Once your accident-related obligations have been paid, the rest of the money can be used to cover other losses.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Kentucky
Dealing with personal injury settlement negotiations can be challenging, especially while you are recovering from a serious injury. You need a skilled personal injury attorney to guide you through the process. At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our attorneys will use our knowledge and experience to champion your rights and strive for the compensation you deserve.
If you are looking for guidance on how to negotiate a personal injury settlement or assistance dealing with a personal injury case, reach out to us today. Call us today at (877) 809-5352 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you. Don’t face this complicated process alone. Let us support you on the road to recovery.
