Denver drivers who have been injured in a car crash due to the fault of another driver can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. Unfortunately, getting the compensation you are legally entitled to isn’t always as straightforward as you might hope – almost always because of the strategic tactics of insurance companies themselves.
Being involved in a car crash that caused injury or wrongful death can be catastrophic, and receiving adequate compensation for your financial losses, pain and suffering is just one step towards feeling whole again.
At Sandene Law, we fight for all of our clients to get the fair settlement they deserve. As you navigate through the uncertainties ahead, here are some of our expert tips for negotiating your personal injury case with insurance and receiving the maximum compensation possible.
- Gather Proper Evidence
The evidence you are able to collect surrounding the car crash can provide you with immense leverage during negotiations. Having proper evidence will help deter any speculation about who was at fault or the extent of damages or injuries that you endured following the crash.
Evidence can come in the form of photos at the scene of the crash or detailed doctor notes describing your injuries Here are some other valuable pieces of evidence you’ll want to collect in the aftermath of the crash that can directly support your personal injury claim:
- Photos of your vehicle damage and the overall scene of the collision
- Photos of any visible bodily injuries, including how they progress in the following days or weeks
- Detailed daily journals about how you are feeling
- A record of all medical appointments you attended, when, and why
- Receipts or invoices for all medical treatment (medications, medical bills, etc.)
- Initiate Your Claim Promptly
Another key factor that can help your negotiations is to file a claim promptly following the crash, or as soon as your injuries will allow it. Colorado does allow car accident victims to file a claim up to three years after the accident, though your ability to recall the details of the crash and collect valuable evidence can quickly dissipate in the days, weeks, or months following the crash. Plus, the quicker you are able to file, the sooner you can receive potential compensation, and
- Reject Their First Offer
In most cases, you’ll want to reject whatever offer the insurance company makes you initially. Oftentimes, their tactic is to see if you’ll agree to a much lower offer than what you’re entitled to and they’re hoping you jump on the first financial offer they make.
Insurance companies typically won’t begin negotiations by offering you maximum compensation. Remember that you are entitled to full compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve incurred as a result of the collision. But, you’ll likely have to endure some negotiations to get there.
Respond with a counteroffer to show that you’re not willing to settle for anything less than what’s fair and that you will not be taken advantage of with a bad offer.
- Get Any Settlement Offer in Writing
If you are able to reach a fair agreement with the insurance adjuster, you should confirm the terms of the settlement by sending a letter to the adjuster. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate letter, but you should include the dollar amount you settled at, when you expect to receive the settlement, and what types of injuries and damages it covers.
This should be done immediately after a settlement is reached. This will help protect your best interests and leave no room for interpretation by the insurance company in the meantime.
- Consult with a Denver Personal Injury Attorney
Our best tip for negotiating a fair settlement is to hire a Denver personal injury attorney to represent your case. These legal professionals will help you understand your legal rights as they relate to the motor vehicle accident, and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve from the at fault-party’s insurance company.
Even though Colorado law states that the at-fault driver’s insurance is liable for any injuries or damages that came as a result of the crash, victims often endure a lengthy negotiation process in order to reach a fair settlement.
The everyday Denver driver has likely never given any thought to negotiating a personal injury claim with an insurance company. But, Denver personal injury lawyers, like the team at Sandene Law, are well-versed in local laws and have successfully defended the rights of clients against insurance companies for over a decade.
If we believe you have a just case, we work tirelessly as your legal advocate and put up a fair fight against industry giants who want to minimize any settlement they pay you. We’ve mastered the art of negotiating with these companies through years of hands-on experience. We know that they often employ tactics to make victims feel like they have no leverage, so we ensure to tip the favor back to our clients so they can receive full compensation.
If you are in the Denver, Colorado area and need help negotiating your claim with insurance, reach out today for a free consultation. We will review the details of your case and provide you with our expert legal advice on how to best proceed.
FAQ’s
Are there any specific legal requirements or documents needed to initiate a claim promptly after a car accident in Colorado?
Initiating a claim promptly after a car accident in Colorado is crucial, but specific legal requirements for this process may vary, necessitating consultation with a legal professional experienced in personal injury cases.
How do insurance companies typically respond to counteroffers during negotiations, and what strategies can individuals use to strengthen their position?
During negotiations, insurance companies may adjust their offers in response to counteroffers, and individuals can strengthen their position by documenting injuries, liabilities, and financial losses, or by seeking guidance from legal representatives.
Are there any potential risks or downsides to rejecting the first offer from the insurance company during negotiations?
While rejecting the initial offer is common practice, individuals should be cautious as it could lead to increased resistance from the insurer, necessitating careful consideration and consultation with legal professionals.
What steps should individuals take if they encounter resistance or delay from the insurance company in providing a fair settlement offer?
If facing resistance or delay from the insurance company, individuals can proactively document communications, provide additional evidence, and seek guidance from legal professionals to navigate the negotiation process effectively.
Can you provide examples or case studies of previous personal injury cases in Denver, Colorado, where legal representation significantly impacted the negotiation process and the final settlement outcome?
Legal representation can significantly impact the negotiation process and final settlement outcome in personal injury cases, illustrating the benefits of seeking professional assistance through examples or case studies of successful outcomes in Denver, Colorado.
