What to Do After a Low Insurance Offer
While car accidents are common, many people only learn about the overwhelming nature of these crashes when they become victims. You are forced to figure many things out quickly, and sometimes when still nursing injuries. One of the issues you need to contend with is how to handle insurance companies out to deny you the compensation you need and deserve.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of people involved in auto accidents through low insurance settlements. In some cases, they even refuse to pay. Besides worrying about your recovery, you have to worry about medical bills and vehicle repairs. While insurance companies may not always cover all accident-related expenses, fighting off a low insurance offer unnecessarily stresses the victim.
A car crash victim typically finds themselves against a big corporation with a battery of lawyers. Many people give up and settle for far less than they need and deserve. However, a skilled auto accident lawyer can help you fight for your legal right to fair compensation. If you are in Arizona, contact our skilled and experienced car accident attorneys at Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd. We are committed to helping you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Low Insurance Offer
Many people make the mistake of thinking insurance companies work for their clients. Unfortunately, insurance companies work for profits and will do anything to achieve that goal, including reducing insurance settlements to clients or refusing to pay. Here are practical steps to fight against a low insurance offer.
- Hire a skilled auto accident attorney
Auto accident attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and know all the tricks they use to reduce or even deny clients fair compensation. Typically, an insurance company will take you seriously if you have an attorney, as they might need to up their game. In most cases, the insurer will agree to fair compensation to avoid a court process. An auto accident lawyer helps you navigate the personal injury claim process, including dealing with the insurance company.
- Negotiate for a better offer
Many people think an insurance offer after an auto accident is final and are unaware they can negotiate for a better offer. However, it is advisable to let your auto accident attorney handle these negotiations on your behalf.
An attorney will use their expertise to make a counteroffer. They can also ask the insurer to explain how the adjuster came up with the settlement figure and then dispute existing inaccuracies. If the insurance company is still set on lowballing you, the attorney can help you immediately file a lawsuit challenging the low insurance offer.
- Collect evidence to make a claim against your insurer
Besides acting in bad faith, an insurance company can offer a low offer if they are convinced you were at fault for the accident. Sometimes they under-calculate your losses. While some low insurance offers are obvious, some are not so obvious. First, you need to ensure the settlement offer is low, then collect evidence to make a claim against the insurance company.
The evidence may include photos and videos of the accident scene to show you were not at fault for the accident. You can also use medical records, employment records, and other documents to show the extent of your accident-related damages. A skilled and experienced auto accident lawyer will use the evidence to prove that the insurance company overlooked relevant information when making the settlement offer.
Contact an Arizona Auto Accident Lawyer
A car accident can leave you with severe injuries requiring costly medical treatment. It can also leave you with expensive vehicle repairs. Where another’s negligence is the cause of your accident, you deserve fair compensation and should not settle for anything less. However, filing an insurance claim can be challenging, with most companies acting in bad faith. If you are a victim of a car accident in Arizona and are having challenges getting fair compensation, we are here for you. At Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd, our well-qualified and experienced auto accident attorneys are committed to fighting for your legal rights. We will negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to claim the same on your behalf. Contact us today at (480) 833-1113 for a free consultation and to learn how we can help you overcome a low insurance offer.
