If you were hurt in an accident caused by another party’s carelessness, you probably want to file an injury claim against the at-fault party. In this type of case, your claim will be handled by the other party’s insurance company. After you file a claim, you will soon get a call from the insurer. If the insurance provider makes a settlement offer that is not enough to cover your losses and injuries, you may want to reject the offer. This is something a good Ontario, CA personal injury lawyer will also advise you.
Dealing with your injuries is already hard enough and the financial losses can be bearable. That is why you deserve to get a fair settlement amount that can help you get back on your feet.
Reasons for Rejecting a Settlement Offer
Insurance companies will always want to save money when handling claims. They can accomplish this by offering settlements that are far less than what claimants deserve. If the insurance company’s offer is too low to cover your medical care costs, medical bills, lost wages, and other losses, it is just right to reject it. In fact, such a rejection is your first step in obtaining the right compensation for your injuries.
How to Reject the Offer
Rejecting the first settlement offer from the insurance company does not mean you lost your eligibility for compensation. Saying no to the offer is part of the negotiation process. To reject an offer, submit a letter that spells out your refusal to accept it. You can have this draft with your attorney to make it right. And because negotiating with insurance adjusters is exhausting, hire an attorney who can negotiate with the insurer for you.
Making a Counteroffer
After you reject the insurer’s offer, you can make a counteroffer demanding what you think is just compensation. Your counteroffer must contain details of your injury claim, how it affected your life, and the related costs. Your attorney will use this information to come up with the right settlement amount. They will take into account factors such as medical expenses, lost income, required household services, emotional injuries, and future expenses. Once the company gets your demand letter, they may respond with another offer. Indeed, it often involves back-and-forth negotiations before an agreement is met between both parties. If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement after negotiations, your injury lawyer may suggest that you take the case to trial.
