California personal injury victims have been in constant conflict with insurance companies. The unfortunate truth is that many victims do not realize it. They believe that the insurance adjuster is their friend and wants to help them. This deception is a fatal mistake that can wreck your personal injury claim.

The insurance adjustor is not on your side. As a California car accident victim you want to receive the highest settlement possible. The insurance adjuster wants the exact opposite. If you decide to settle your own accident claim you will need skill in two critical areas: preparation and negotiation. These two skills could make or break your settlement.

Preparing Your Personal Injury Claim For Negotiations

Preparation is an important first step for any claim. Failing to prepare for your personal injury claim could prevent you from getting your maximum settlement value. You wouldn't go to Europe for the first time without planning out the details. This is true with a personal injury claim. You would not negotiate your claim without first preparing for it. When preparing yourself for a negotiation there are five basic questions you need to answer.

What is the strength (evidence) of your personal injury claim?

What are similar claims generally resolved for?

What is your settlement goal?

What is your settlement bottom line?

What alternatives do you have if you don't settle?

Evidence Is A Critical Piece Of Your Personal Injury Case

The strength of a personal injury claim lies in the evidence. Evidence can include a variety of different documents, reports, statements, photos, and expenses. This includes statements of witnesses, police reports, photos, and documentation of your losses. Losses include medical bills and any other expenses that stem from your accident.

Prepare A Demand Letter

After you have collected all of the necessary evidence you will need to prepare a demand or cover letter. Your cover letter will summarize all of your evidence and list damages. A good rule of thumb is to always ask for more money than you want. This will leave room to negotiate your price later.

Setting Goals for Your Injury Claim

Know what you want before you ask for it. In other words have a goal. How much would you like to get for your claim? What is the lowest amount you are willing to accept? Be ready to justify your asking price with evidence. Research what other claims have settled for and reference the case in your negotiations.

Know Your Alternatives

If you are unable to settle your case it is important to know what alternative you have. Your first alternative is to do nothing at all. California allows accident victims two years to settle a claim or file a lawsuit. By slowing down the process an adjuster may become tempted to accept your demand. Most adjusters do not like it when their personal injury claims start to pile up. They are judged on how much money they save the company as well as the speed in which they do so.

A second alternative is to take your claim to small claims court. This will usually take a minimum of two trips to the courthouse plus a filing and service-of-process fee. The trial will take place six to eight weeks after you have filed. The outcome could be very good or very bad. A judge could reward you more money, less money, or nothing at all. If the insurance company appeals the verdict you may have to do this process over again.

A third alternative is to hire a California catastrophic injury lawyer. If you are not getting the results you want you can search for an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you receive a fair settlement. Make sure the attorney you choose knows his way around the court room and has the respect of the judge. Find out what their success rate is.

If you would like to know about preparing for a personal injury claim you may purchase a copy of, "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim." California accident victims may request a free copy by visiting the website. This book helps accident victims avoid fatal mistakes which could wreck your personal injury claim. Inside you will find information every accident victim should have.