3 Negotiation Tips To Maximize Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Were you recently in a motorcycle accident caused by another party? If so, you may have suffered costly damage to your bike and serious injuries. You may face doctors' bills, lost wages from time away from work, and other significant expenses. The settlement from the responsible party's insurance company can help cover those costs. First, though, you'll have to negotiate a settlement. That can be a challenging process. The insurance company aims to maximize their profit, which means minimizing the amount they pay out. Below are a few negotiation tips to help you obtain the largest settlement possible.
Write a detailed demand letter. The first step in the claims process is to write a demand letter. In this letter, you will state what happened and how the accident occurred. You'll also include a detailed list of expenses. At the end of the letter, you will state the total amount you want as a settlement. Your letter should be detailed enough to justify the amount you demand as a settlement. This document is important because it will serve as the basis for the negotiation going forward. Any information or expense not included in the demand later is unlikely to be considered by the insurance company. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you draft your demand letter.
Reject the first offer. When the insurance company makes its offer, you may be tempted to accept it immediately. However, keep in mind that the first offer is the lowest. They want you to accept the first offer because it's their least expensive option. All subsequent offers will be higher than the first. Resist the temptation to accept the first offer. Instead, ask the company to explain why the offer is so low. After they explain, write a detailed reply letter explaining why you reject the offer. Ask for a new amount and explain why you are asking for that amount. The amount in your reply letter should be slightly less than you requested in your initial demand letter.
Stay focused on your main points. The negotiator for the insurance company will bring up lots of reasons why they won't match your demand amount. However, it's usually wise to stay on track and focus on the main points of your case. If you suffered an injury that will require long-term care, keep emphasizing that point. If you missed significant work, keep stating that. Stay focused on your argument, and don't get sidetracked by the insurance company's arguments.
Ready to maximize your settlement? Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer such as Law Office of Robert Karwin. They can guide you through the process.