How Lawyers Negotiate Higher Settlements

If you’ve been dealing with the stresses of an accident and want to offload the overwhelm, having an experienced car accident lawyer in Phoenix by your side matters. When it comes to negotiations, most of the time, insurance companies want to pay the least amount possible, and they have plenty of people on their end looking to protect their bottom line.

This is why entering the settlement negotiation process with a lawyer is a good idea. Skilled attorneys understand those tactics used by insurance companies and know when to push back in order to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Plus, they should know how to calculate the true value of your claim taking medical expenses, lost wages, damages, and the emotional toll of your injury into account.

Chances are that you don’t have these same skills and expertise on your own. Without legal representation, you could end up making some common mistakes in settlement evaluations without a lawyer or accept an offer far below what you should receive.

What Makes a Strong Case For Negotiation?

After a car accident, proving the other party’s fault is a critical component of any successful case. If you can provide detailed documentation of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life, whether it’s physically, emotionally, or financially, this can certainly help your cause.

A strong case for negotiation starts with solid evidence and plenty of prepwork. Your attorney will begin by gathering these important documents:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements to build a compelling narrative 

A well-prepared lawyer will also work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, or other specialists to provide expert testimony that can back up your claims. The stronger your case, the more leverage you have during negotiations and the more compensation you could get.

What Makes Negotiations Successful?

Good negotiation strategies are all about timing, clear communication, and knowing how to use your strengths. The first thing to know is this: you should not accept the first offer from the insurance company. Most of the time, this offer is going to be much lower than what you actually deserve. Instead, your lawyer will be able to make a strong case backed by solid evidence and be ready to go through a few rounds of offers. 

Take your time because rushing the process can lead to less compensation. This is money you deserve after the traumatizing experience you went through! Knowing the full value of your claim, such as future medical costs and lost income, is also important so nothing is missed.

Your attorney should also pay close attention to deadlines, especially any state statute of limitations, to make sure you’re staying on top of the process. The possibility of going to court could also help pressure the insurance company into making a fair offer. 

Patience pays off, so don’t be afraid to wait. With the right approach, you’re more likely to get a better settlement.

Choosing the Right Attorney For You

Picking the right attorney for your case can boost your chances of getting the best settlement possible. You’ll want to feel comfortable with your attorney, so be sure to look for someone who takes the time to explain the process and address any of your concerns.

Now that you’re ready to hire your attorney and get to work, what should you look for? Someone who specializes in personal injury law and has a solid history of success–like Gage Mathers–is your best bet.

Insurance companies and their negotiation tactics don’t scare us, and we’ll take them to trial if we have to. The talented team at Gage Mathers has a track record of successful negotiations, with a 99.9% success rate! For more than five decades, we’ve recovered more than $275 million for our clients. 

We know that navigating the aftermath of an accident can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Gage Mathers Law Group, we want nothing more than to get you the justice you deserve. Call us today for your free consultation to find out more about how we can help!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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