One of the most frustrating parts of navigating a personal injury case is when the other party minimizes your injuries. One way that they do this is by giving you a low settlement offer. Continue reading to find out what you should do if you receive a low settlement offer and how a skilled attorney can help your counteroffer.
What Is a Low Settlement Offer?
A low settlement offer is usually an offer that is significantly less than the total value of your legal case. The other insurance company or representative lawyer issues you an offer. If you agree to it, you sign off on any additional legal eligibility. But, if you don’t sign it, you are forced to spend more on lawyer and court fees. What are your options?
- Accept the offer: Depending on how far off the offer is from the value of your case, you might decide to accept it.
- Negotiate the offer: It is possible to negotiate a settlement. You may need to provide additional proof of why your case is worth more.
- Decline the offer: If you decide to decline the offer, you may have to take your case to court.
This can be a difficult decision to make, and not one that should be taken lightly. It will cost you more if you continue to pursue action, but in some cases, that may be necessary.
What Factors Go Into a Settlement Offer?
A settlement offer may include the following damages:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Legal fees
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Many insurance companies will come to their settlement offer by calculating the cost of your damages. However, some costs, like lost wages and pain and suffering, can be more difficult to value. If you are offered an amount that is less than the total value of your case, it is likely that they do not agree with your damages, or that they are placing some of the blame for the accident on you.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a Low Settlement Offer
A personal injury lawyer may be beneficial to your case in a few ways. For one, they can calculate the value of your case, so you can gauge how fair any settlement offers you receive are. Your lawyer can also help with making a counteroffer, as well as collecting additional documentation that may make your case stronger. Another important part of getting the most compensation possible is by reducing your fault in the accident. While New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence state, your compensation amount may be reduced by the percentage in which you are found to be at fault. Your lawyer can help you evaluate the details of your case, proving responsibility. It can also be helpful to have a lawyer on your side during negotiations. Some insurance companies may attempt to take advantage of you, by telling you that the offer you received is the best you can get. When you have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side, they are less likely to push you into signing an unfair settlement offer. How you respond to the low ball offer is also important, as it can pave the way for the rest of the legal process. You need a negotiator that is both professional and direct.
Contact a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a personal injury in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Garber Law represent clients injured because of a personal injury in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Winslow, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 435-5800 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at the Greens of Laurel Oak, 1200 Laurel Oak Road, Suite #104, Voorhees, NJ 08043, as well as an office in Philadelphia, PA.