If you’re injured because someone else was negligent, you may be entitled to monetary compensation equivalent to the loss you’ve suffered. This compensation covers medical bills, lost income, lost earning capacity, physical pain, emotional anguish, and all other ways the incident negatively affected your life.
However, you don’t always recover as much as you are entitled to under the law. Insurance companies are usually more than happy to offer you a settlement that contains a payout for less than you deserve. So you might be wondering, how can you increase your personal injury settlement? Your NYC personal injury lawyer can help you determine what you're actually due
In a no-fault state like New York, you present your claim for compensation to the insurance company, which reviews your claim. If you’re not denied, your insurer offers you a settlement containing how much they’re willing to pay you out.
Unfortunately, even your own insurance company is not always your friend in these cases. Regardless of the evidence you present, insurance companies may try to disclaim liability by any means necessary, barring your right to recover.
They are also quick to point out the degree of your fault. New York’s contributory negligence laws say the compensation you are entitled to may be reduced proportionately based on the degree of your own fault in the accident.
These kinds of acts usually end up in the claimant receiving a settlement far lower than the amount you actually need to recover. Sadly, this is a too-common scenario for insurance claimants everywhere.
First, document everything. Photos and videos from the accident are a good way to preserve evidence to show exactly who was liable and to what degree.
Second, seek immediate medical treatment. The longer you wait to get treated, the more likely the insurance company can use the delay against you to claim reduced liability. Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible can also prevent the insurance company from arguing that you waited a little longer to increase your injuries and, consequently, your payout.
Finally, don’t rush to accept the first settlement offer. The first offer is usually much lower than what you’re entitled to, so you have to negotiate, and this is where personal injury lawyers can help you out.
While you’re free to negotiate your settlement with the insurance company, there’s no guarantee the negotiations will go your way, especially when you’re dealing with professional adjusters from the insurance company whose sole job is to secure settlement terms that are more favorable for the insurance company.
In these instances, it’s best to seek professional assistance. At Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, our NYC personal injury lawyers have experience with cases just like yours are familiar with all the tricks and tactics an insurer may use to diminish your compensation.
When it comes to personal injuries, you don’t have to be a victim of the insurance company after you have already become a victim of an injury. Call us now at 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or visit us online to let us know how we can help you with your case!
Accidents happen, while being an accident victim may be unavoidable, choosing the wrong attorney is not. The experienced team of lawyers at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP have more than 15 years of handling highly complicated personal injury claims. Contact our personal injury attorneys to learn how we can help you secure the compensation you are entitled to get back on your feet. 1800-842-8462... View full business profile here: Profile Report: Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP
