Below is a list of Actual events as they were experienced by me. I was the victim Injury resulting in a motor vehicle accident. This was September 2005.
I was stopped at the red traffic signal along with four other vehicles. One of them was behind me. I was rearended by a BIG RIG behind the car in front. Eye witnesses report that the tractor trailer was traveling at over 40 mph, causing damage to all five vehicles. A lincoln was first to be struck. I was pushed into a truck by the lincoln. All three vehicles were totaled!Here you will find out my experience and how I was successful in achieving what I consider a very satisfying settlement. I do not want to use an attorneyAlthough I interviewed many, they were not the only ones. I also spoke with 3 different adjusters. One of the adjusters was from another state and happened to be a good friend.
In my earlier years of life, I was involved with a family court case. I went to the domestic relations office more than I can remember. It was at this time that I discovered that An attorney doesn’t really do so much for their money.. (Here’s my opinion).
I saw that my attorney and me would both go to these hearings. After some pleasantries, attorneys from both sides as well as the domestic relations officer exchanged their thoughts. Then, it was time to get down to business. The same thing would happen. The domestic relations officer would pull out a chart from his desk drawer, and ask my ex-wife questions like how much we made each week. The domestic relations officers would then place one finger on the chart and another down the chart. He would then announce a number.
This was the amount I had pay to support my family. I had the fee for an attorney but I didn’t have it so I went with no fee. The same thing happened. It was then searched again and the result was the same. I didn’t win anything. But I was able to save hundreds of dollars on attorney fees. It was then that I stopped using an lawyer for these types of situations.
It was obvious to me there was a formula that was used regardless of whether I had representation.
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I wondered what would happen to me in my motor vehicle accident case. I wondered if this would be determined using a formula. I started researching on the internet, and guess what? I was able buy the item for $20 A book written and published by a former employee Individuals who have filed insurance claims.
It was basic information, but it gave me enough information to think that maybe I could handle it successfully and save myself lots of money. I would be able to negotiate a fair settlement for myself if I knew the formula. I didn’t want to pay 30% of my settlement was paid to an attorney for something I could do myself!
To establish control, the first thing I did was. I emailed my adjuster at the insurance company for the at fault party and informed him that all correspondence had to be in writing or by email. In this way, I would be able to see a copy of all the correspondence. I received a call from him, in which he left a message stating that we would need to talk by telephone to discuss my case. I didn’t back down and informed him by email that all correspondence would need to be written or sent electronically. This is not what the adjustors like because they must adhere to everything they write in emails. Remember…The job of an adjustor is to get you to accept the least amount possible.
I found information online about a case very similar to mine, which was finally settled in court. The victim was similar in age to me and suffered similar injuries as a result of an accident. This person was almost awarded by the judge $400,000.
The adjuster with whom I was dealing wanted to know how much I was looking for. I said that I didn’t know, but he asked me based on his experiences what I could look forward to. The person asking the question is always in charge. My question was not answered by the adjuster. None of the other attorneys I interviewed would either. My friend from another state, who was an adjuster, was happy to help me.
It is important to communicate with adjustors that you are aware of what’s happening, but not be offensive. You can give them stats and stories. This may be someone you know who has gone through it and can tell you how it was for them.
In my case, I had a friend who was in the same accident. He had gone through 2 surgeries and had hired an attorney to reach a settlement. He was open to sharing his findings with me.
You can resolve your own claim. Professional advice is recommended if you are in need of surgery. Your position will be stronger if you wait longer to receive your settlement money. These people shouldn’t push you around. They should be pushed as hard as they can, but not to the point of going to court. Be polite, courteous, and firm. These people just want to get through their day without being stressed.
Once the adjustor has completed all of the paperwork required and your losses and expenses are documented, it’s now time to say SHOW ME THE MONEY!
In my case, the first offer was $10,000. Do you remember the $400,000 settlement? This was what drove me crazy and I made it clear. Don’t make a counter-offer that is too low. You can’t raise your figure. This is the adjuster’s goal.
Example: I could counter $10,000 with $200,000, so anything above that is out of the question. I recommend you counter with a high number that is as ridiculous as the original offer. After telling me that this was part and parcel of the process, the adjuster then spoke down to me by saying it was called negotiation. I replied by saying that it might be the way it was in his world, but I don’t play games in mine. I assured him that I would get back to you.
We sat down together and determined our bottom line and the time frame we wanted. I explained to the adjuster what I believed was acceptable and gave him a precise figure. I informed him that I knew the price and asked for his reply within 3 days. I told him I would not accept their offer and that I would be turning it over to an attorney if they decline.. The insurance companies don’t want attorneys involved.
This cost them more and may have resulted in you paying fees that are close to the amount you were offered. I accepted the offer and was called back by the adjuster that afternoon. The case is closed