The thought of negotiating with an insurance company may seem intimidating, especially if you don’t know how to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.
That’s where a dedicated Kennesaw car accident lawyer from Piedmont Injury Law comes in. We’ll work to protect your interests and maximize your payout. With 15+ years of experience negotiating with insurance companies, you can trust our experienced team to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (678) 909-0770 to schedule a free consultation.
Methods for negotiating a higher settlement
Prove liability for the collision
For your car accident claim to be successful, we must prove liability. Under Georgia Code § 24-14-1, successfully demonstrating liability requires a preponderance of the evidence. This means the evidence must be compelling and convincing, demonstrating how the defendant’s conduct breached their duty of care. To ensure we get the highest possible settlement for your car accident, your attorney may need to hire experts to analyze the evidence we obtain as part of our investigation.
Accident reconstruction
Working with accident reconstructionists is a great way to establish culpability. These experts will be responsible for analyzing black box data, reviewing video surveillance of the collision, and using forensic evidence to recreate the accident to determine who is responsible.
For instance, accident reconstructionists can use the evidence to determine whether the driver who hit you was speeding, lost control, ran a light or stop sign, or caused the collision due to poor visibility.
Police reports
Any accident resulting in serious injury or damages exceeding $500 must be reported to law enforcement officials per the Georgia Department of Driver Services. We can request copies of your accident report by reaching out to the Kennesaw Police Department or requesting a copy of your accident report through the City of Kennesaw’s website. Your crash report may contain valuable insights into how the accident occurred in case you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Stay on top of shared fault accusations
When negotiating a higher settlement after a car accident, getting ahead of partial fault allegations should be a top priority. Georgia follows modified comparative negligence laws per OCGA § 51-12-33. When you are partially at fault for the accident, you should expect your settlement to be reduced proportionately. If your liability exceeds the 50% threshold, you could be prohibited from receiving a settlement altogether.
The at-fault party will almost certainly try to take advantage of these laws to reduce their own financial liability. However, powerful supporting evidence clearly demonstrating the defendant’s responsibility for your damages can prevent the other party from taking advantage of you during one of the most difficult times in your life.
Ensure damages are assessed accurately
To secure the highest possible settlement after a car accident in Kennesaw, your car accident attorney should account for every single loss. We can use your medical records to establish the severity of your injuries.
We may call your healthcare provider to testify on your behalf if your case goes to trial. This way, the insurance company can see how significantly your injuries have affected your life and may continue to impact you for years to come.
Present evidence that a reasonable settlement is fair and appropriate
Insurance companies are for-profit companies that try to reduce their expenses to increase their revenues. Your claim costs them money, so you must provide powerful evidence that convinces them to pay you what you deserve. If the insurance company fears that going to trial could result in higher damages, they may offer a larger settlement to resolve your claim and avoid the risk.
Piedmont Injury Law can help you negotiate for a higher insurance settlement
Building a powerful case against the liable party requires access to supporting evidence, accurately calculating your claim’s value, and successfully negotiating with the insurance company for the maximum settlement possible. You need experienced legal representation to manage these concerns while you put your energy into healing from your injuries.
When you are ready to demand justice and the financial relief that is rightfully yours, do not hesitate to consult a top-rated Kennesaw personal injury attorney with Piedmont Injury Law. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today when you fill out our online contact form. For more information, call our office at (678) 909-0770 to get started.