Common Negotiation Mistakes After an Austin Car Accident
Getting in a car accident is expensive. From the medical bills to the car repairs, you are counting down the days until you get your settlement, so you can get on with your life. Unfortunately, the insurance company has another plan. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will do everything it can to pay a low settlement, even if you have severe injuries. Watch out for these common negotiation mistakes car accident victims tend to make. You can easily avoid these mistakes by hiring an Austin car accident attorney.
Asking for Too Little
Car accidents can result in long-term injuries that will require medical attention for years to come. You need to factor in your long-term needs before determining how much your claim is worth. If you value the claim yourself, there’s a good chance you will leave money on the table. Austin car accident attorney. Steven C. Lee & Associates will consult with medical experts to determine how much money you need for long-term care.
Accepting the First Offer
Insurance companies tend to lowball people with the first offer. They hope victims will accept the money, so they can close the claim. The first offer is just the start of the negotiation process, so don’t accept it. Instead, you can make a counteroffer.
Failing to Provide Evidence
Insurance companies will expect evidence to back up a car accident claim. Otherwise, it will just be your word against the other driver’s word. If you want to maximize your claim, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible. If you aren’t sure how to go about this, car accident attorney Steven C. Lee in Austin can handle it for you.
Admitting Fault
Fault is a complicated legal concept. You might think you did something to contribute to the accident. However, upon review, Steven C. Lee might find that you don’t share any of the blame. Never admit responsibility to the other driver’s insurance company. That will significantly reduce the amount of money you can receive.
Giving a Recorded Statement Without an Attorney Present
The insurance company might ask you to provide a recorded statement. No matter how much you prepare for it, you could say something that derails your claim. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement before consulting with an attorney. Steven C. Lee will be present during the statement or communicate on your behalf.
Not Getting the Offer in Writing
When you accept a settlement, you need to get it in writing. Otherwise, the insurance company might pull it before you get the money. When you receive the paperwork, read over it carefully to ensure that everything is as it should be. Then, you can sign the paperwork and accept the offer.
Steven C. Lee & Associates can handle the negotiations on your behalf and work to get you the best settlement.
Steven C. Lee is a personal injury lawyer in Austin, Texas specializing in truck accidents, car accidents, bicycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, motorcycle accidents, construction site accidents and wrongful death cases.
Steven C. Lee is a member of the Texas Bar, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Texas Trial Lawyers Association and a member of the BBB in Austin, TX. You can view Steven C. Lee’s LinkedIn Profile here.