Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement

Victims who are injured in a car accident in Los Angeles could be facing a number of difficult challenges.  Some will experience constant phone calls from an insurance adjuster and frequent medical treatments.  This is no life is no easy task to say the least.  Staying focused during this difficult time is important.  You need to prepare your personal injury claim now to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

The first thing you should be aware of is that the insurance adjuster is not your friend.  An adjuster works for the insurance company to settle your claim for as little money as possible.  Every dollar an insurance adjuster saves on your claim is another dollar of profit for shareholders.  To receive a fair settlement from an insurance adjuster you will need skill in to areas: preparation and negotiation.

Preparation is important to any personal injury case.  You would not take a trip to Europe without planning all the details.  A personal injury claim is no different in this regard.  Start the preparation of your case by answering the following questions:

1. What is the strength (evidence) of your claim?  The strength of your case will be the evidence you provide.  Prepare statements of witnesses, police records, photos, documentations of your losses and so on.
2. What are similar claims generally resolved for? Go to your local law library and find similar cases.  Don't be afraid to reference these cases when negotiating.
3. What is your settlement goal?  This number should be the ideal amount you would like to walk away with.  Keep it within reason.
4. What is your settlement bottom line?  Define the lowest amount you will settle your case for.  Make sure this will pay for all of your expenses, pain and suffering, as well as future expenses that will be incurred from your accident.
5. What alternatives do you have if you don't settle?

After a car accident it is important that you consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer in California.  The best personal injury attorneys will offer free consultations to all injured accident victims.