How do negotiations in a Nebraska personal injury case go?
Omaha, NE – When they are told they’ll need a personal injury lawyer to recover damages after an accident, most people see themselves sitting in a courtroom embroiled in all sorts of legal arguments. That’s a common misconception. While it is true that in some cases you’ll have to go to trial, most personal injury claims are settled out of court and this is where your attorney will prove quite useful.
How do personal injury claims work?
Although you probably won’t be aware of it, your personal injury claim starts right after the accident and the outcome depends largely on what you do or don’t do in those crucial hours. The most important thing you can do is see a doctor as soon as possible, as you will need medical records showing you were injured in the accident.
Another thing is talking to eyewitnesses and getting their contact info.
Finally, you should look up a good personal injury lawyer in Omaha, to start investigating the accident. Sometimes the police report (if there is one) will indicate who was responsible for the accident, but in most cases additional investigations are needed to determine the true cause of the unfortunate event and who may be liable for your damages.
Once they have all the information they need, your lawyers will notify the insurance company representing the party at fault of your claim.
How do negotiations work?
Some say that negotiations in a personal injury claim are very much like haggling over an item at an outdoor market, but it is way more than that. Quickness of mind and communication skills are important, but what you want in a personal injury lawyer is good knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations, statutes, etc. And to be fluent in legalese. It’s not only lawyers that use legalese, insurance adjusters are very good at it as well.
Your lawyers will figure out how much your claim is worth and obviously ask for more in their first demand letter. No need to feel guilty about that. In many cases, you may be contacted by the other party’s insurer and they’ll make you an offer, an offer you must refuse because it’s going to be far lower than what you truly deserve. They’re betting on the fact that you don’t know how much your claim is worth.
You’ll have to wait for the insurance company to answer your demand letter. Most probably they’ll tell you that you cannot get that kind of money and list all sorts of problems with your claim. They’ll try to pin some of the blame on you to reduce the value of your claim or they’ll argue that such and such costs are excessive.
Your Nebraska accident lawyers will counter all their claims with strong legal arguments and they may lower the sum a bit, in a gesture of goodwill.
This may go on for weeks or even months, but you will reach a settlement eventually.
If your lawyers cannot get the insurance company to offer the compensation you deserve, they will file a lawsuit. Negotiations don’t end at this point. On the contrary, if the other party sees that you’re serious about it, they may finally come up with a decent offer so they don’t have to face you in court.
If you were recently injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at the Rensch & Rensch Law firm, with offices in Omaha and Columbus, NE. Their attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe them anything unless they win your case.
Contact info:
Rensch & Rensch Law
Toll-free: 800-471-4100
Omaha office:
7602 Pacific St #102, Omaha, NE 68114
Columbus office:
1470 25th Ave, Columbus, NE 68601
