3 Crucial Tactics for Spokane Auto Accident Claims

Content Legally Reviewed By Matt Conner

Accident and Injury Attorney Assisting with Auto Accident Claims in Spokane, WA

After an automobile accident in Washington, you will find yourself navigating the complexities of not only the insurance claims process but the legal system. If your injury requires extensive compensation, then you should speak with a Spokane accident attorney instead of attempting to file a claim yourself.

What Tactics Do You Need to Deploy for a Successful Accident Claim?

Once your auto accident claim starts, you have a few steps that you will go through. While these steps follow a predictable pattern, there are certain tactics you can deploy to make the process easier and increase the likelihood of a fair settlement.

Know the Settlement Value before Negotiations

You cannot negotiate if you do not know your bottom line. Just like in business, you must assess how much compensation you deserve and then use that amount during negotiations. The figure is for yourself; you do not share it with the insurance company.

To find the settlement value, your accident lawyer calculates your past, current, and future costs associated with the accident injury. This includes:

• Medical costs
• Prescription costs
• Medical equipment
• Time off work
• Disability
• Pain and suffering

Once your attorney knows this number, he or she will use that as a guide during the back and forth negotiations. Your car accident and injury lawyer has a minimum acceptable settlement value and may have an “ideal” number too.

Settling Out of Court

Most accident cases settle out of court because insurance claims adjusters and attorneys know that juries are highly unpredictable. Therefore, your attorney will work hard to get your case to settle before going to court. Court also increases the amount of time between filing your claim and receiving a settlement.

Knowing When to Hire an Attorney

A good tactic in your arsenal is to know when you are in over your head. It is hard to negotiate a settlement or even value your pain and suffering. An injury lawyer can take your settlement negotiations further and often yields a higher settlement value than if you were to negotiate yourself.

Some instances where it might be time to consult with an attorney include:

• You are demanding a settlement for severe or catastrophic injuries. When your injuries and damages are more than a few thousand dollars, an insurance claims adjuster will scrutinize every report and request. Therefore, you need an attorney to help combat any scrutiny and tactics used by the insurer.
• You need to compensate future damages. To make up for future medical care and other damages (i.e. lost income), you need a Spokane personal injury attorney that can calculate and work that future compensation into the settlement negotiations.
• The insurance company is questioning fault. If there is ever an issue of fault, or the other driver is attempting to put some of the fault on you, you need an attorney. A Spokane injury  attorney can craft an argument against such claims, but also use evidence and investigators to help establish fault and win your case.

Consult with an Attorney Regarding Your Spokane Auto Accident

After a severe motor vehicle collision, make a call to Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC. We have an office in Spokane, as well as surrounding cities, to make a meeting with us as convenient as possible. Call our offices at 800-925-1875 to schedule a free case evaluation or request your appointment online.

About the Author

Matt Conner

Matt Conner has a proven track record of success. Following his graduation from Willamette University with a double major in mathematics and economics, Matt worked as an economist for the Office of Economic Analysis for the State of Oregon before moving onto working in mortgage banking and real estate. Although Matt would move on to law school shortly thereafter, his experience in the financial sector has provided him with valuable experience in how to achieve maximum compensation for his clients.

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