After a Florida accident, a victim must deal with either their own insurance or the insurance of the other driver who caused the accident. Both of these insurance companies have something in common: Neither of them likes to write a large check because it hurts their bottom line. As a result, they may try to low-ball claimants with their first offer.
Many people do not realize that they have the ability to negotiate with an insurance company to try to get a better offer from them. They are not bound by the first offer that they receive. Instead, by being prepared and knowing the value of the car and the types of injuries that require compensation, they can begin the process of exchanging numbers with the insurance company.
The insurance companies rely on the fact that they have superior knowledge to low-ball claimants. They may even be throwing a number out there just to see what someone will take. Chances are that the first number they propose will not reflect the true value of a claim. Filing a claim and accepting the settlement offer are fluid processes that require flexibility and changing assumptions. Individuals should not be afraid to make a formal request from the insurance company. Claimants should send them a written demand letter with the amount that they are requesting in a settlement.
If this sounds like a difficult process, it is because insurance companies make it that way. Hiring a car accident attorney might some of the stress out of dealing with insurance companies. The lawyer may be in a better position to know whether the insurance company is making a reasonable settlement offer. They may then handle the negotiations with the insurance company to get their client more money in a settlement.