Millions of people are affected by car accidents worldwide. Immediately after the collision, the individual seeks medical attention. They must focus on the insurance claims while being on recovery. The car needs to be fixed or you might need to replace the vehicle. These costs are very expensive so the mind wanders.
To save money, the injured individual stays away from legal experts, thinking they can do the paperwork and fight the situation. Here is how to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer in logical steps.
Table of Contents
How to Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer
How Severe Are the Damages?
We understand you want to settle the car accident claim without a lawyer very quickly! However, before you skip to the settlement, you must have an estimate of the damages. You can estimate the destruction done to the vehicle. Personal injuries that you suffer also count. You can total the expenses that you have paid since the accident in addition to future expenses to the list of damages.
However, it is difficult to estimate the exact number of damages. You will need to list every expense that has taken place. You can overdemand in compensation as long as the claims are legitimate. You must be prepared to negotiate the amount as well.
Also Read: Ways to Stay Awake While Driving at Night.
Talk to an Insurer Adjuster
A common strategy on how to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer is talking to an insurance adjuster. A regular meeting with the insurer will help you identify the amount the insurance is paying against the claim. The agent will look at the damage and note the medical access. They will use the information to calculate the amount that best represents the circumstances.
You will need to negotiate with the agency for a maximum settle. Whenever you are talking to an insurance company, it is best to hide your emotions. Exhibit calmness and pay attention to their dialog.
Compose a Demand Letter
Now that you know how much the insurer is paying, it is time to type a convincing and strongly worded demand letter. It entails how the settlement is very little and the reasons why they must increase the settlement. You must mention the injuries in detail. Mention losses with factual numbers.
The individual can also mention how the insurance company of the other driver is also liable. Even though a demand letter rarely works out, you will pat yourself on the back for taking the initiative. It also shows the insurance company that you are ready to fight for the claim.
When the insurance company receives the letter, they will respond with a counteroffer. It is up to you to accept the offer or reject it. If you pick the latter option, you will have to keep negotiating. However, the matter is closed if you accept the offer. Life returns to normal. On the other hand, if you negotiate, the case is taken to court for a maximum settlement. Time is of the essence if you wish to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer.
Perform Due Diligence
You must do sufficient research if you are taking the car settlement to court. You must have an estimate of the costs that are incurred when the judge hears the case. There are administrative expenses to pay and court fees to attend. You may also suffer from a loss of future income because you must be present in the courtroom rather than a work.
Since you did not hire a lawyer, you are representing yourself. Therefore, learn about how previous drivers in your circumstances have resolved the issue. As a result, you will understand the different options. It will increase the opportunity of you winning.
If you lose in your court, you will have to pay the other driver’s lawyer’s fees because it was your stance on bringing the matter in front of the judge. Walk into the court prepared!
Wait for the Verdict
The judge will hear the case calmly. They are interested in what the other party as to say as well. After hearing both sides and listening to the closing arguments, the judge will present the verdict. If you have provided sufficient evidence, the judge will order a better settlement than the insurance company.
On the other end, if the evidence is not enough, the judge will declare the settlement offer is market-sufficient. You will have to accept the insurance claim and move forward with your life.
Understand That Hiring a Lawyer Is the Best Option!
How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer has unpredictable outcomes. It can downgrade your standard of living because you are wasting money on unnecessary procedures. In short, moving on with legal matters without expert assistance is never a good idea.
A qualified and transparent car accident lawyer will guide you through the complexities. They are trained, experienced and schooled in the relevant niche to resolve matters quickly. Furthermore, a lawyer will save you money. Working with a lawyer is a wise solution if you are already financially burdened by paying medical bills since you were just in a car accident.
The hours you will dedicate to research, paperwork, and talking to insurance agents can be spent at home. You can recuperate and speedily recover. Meanwhile, the lawyer will file the right motion and collect documents because it is their nature of work.
You cannot put a price tag on the assistance the lawyer will offer throughout the uncertainty. The advisor will stand beside you in court or when meeting with the insurance adjuster. They will negotiate for you. Furthermore, a lawyer is necessary when the damages are severe, and injuries are long-lasting.
Conclusion
In addition to the claim, a lawyer will prove how you were not at fault in a car accident. Being in a vehicular collision is terrifying. It leaves scars on the mind, body, and soil. You will have to deal with the other driver, their lawyers, and insurers as well. If you are physically disabled after the accident, it means you can’t work either. Find a lawyer in your area today for a huge sigh of relief. You can launch the claim and decide on the lawyer later as well.