One of the primary benefits of hiring a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is that they will negotiate with the insurance company. They will also use their skill and experience to get you the best settlement offer possible. While there is no average settlement amount, it’s to your advantage to have a solid legal team on your side.
You are under no obligation to hire legal counsel to negotiate with the insurance company after an accident. However, our team at Salamati Law can help you maximize your financial recovery after a serious injury.
How an attorney could approach your case
While no two personal injury cases are exactly alike, they follow a general pattern that begins with an initial consultation. Once a person selects their attorney, the process of resolving the case usually starts right away.
The first step requires the attorney to investigate every aspect of the case carefully. This includes determining the liable parties for their client’s injury and identifying the appropriate compensation.
After investigating the claim, an attorney will typically notify the defendant or their attorney that they have taken the case. Along with this notification comes a document known as the demand letter. It is a formal demand for monetary compensation. This letter will lay out your case, explain the severity of your injuries, and demand a specific dollar amount in exchange for not filing a lawsuit.
Insurance companies rarely cut a check the moment they receive a demand letter. Generally, the letter will initiate the process of negotiations between the two sides. The amount of time that these negotiations might take can vary dramatically. In cases where liability is clear, an attorney could settle a case in a matter of days. In other situations, it could take years before a claim is fully resolved. If a settlement is not possible, your attorney will serve as your advocate at trial.
Issues that could complicate your negotiations
Negotiating any personal injury settlement takes time and effort. Some of the factors that could impact your car accident or slip and fall settlement include:
- The severity of your injuries. The more severe your injuries, the larger your settlement demand is likely to be. With more significant cases, insurance companies are more likely to delay or push back instead of simply settling the case for its actual value.
- Your ongoing medical needs. If you are still receiving medical treatment for your injuries, it could complicate your personal injury settlement. If you settle your claim before you have completed your recovery, you could accrue more medical bills.
- Liability issues. Negotiating a settlement is much easier when liability is clearly against the other party. If the defendant in your injury lawsuit refuses to accept fault, it could impact the quality of the settlement offer you receive—if you receive one at all.
Contact our team of Los Angeles personal injury lawyers
The ability to serve as your advocate and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf is only one of the benefits that come with hiring an attorney. The team at Salamati Law knows how to handle insurance companies during tense negotiations. We will work to ensure you receive a fair offer, and we will never allow the insurance company’s bullying tactics to work on you. Contact us for a free consultation today to get started.
