Before your accident, you may have felt perpetually pressed for time, full of responsibilities and commitments, and devoid of any personal time. Only after a severe accident can you realize how much you are able to do when you are healthy and able.

While you are injured, you are unable to work or to help your family, and it becomes clear that your losses are far more severe and far reaching than the extent of your physical injuries. Yet, all the care for your injuries is costing you enormous amounts of money, and you need compensation for the harm done to you by the driver at fault for your accident. During the legal proceedings of your personal injury claim, you will meet with an adjuster from the defendant's insurance provider, with whom you will negotiate a settlement. Here is what you should do during those exchanges.

1. Prepare a Minimum Settlement Figure

You and your attorney will gather the data that is relevant to your case, and you will use it to support your demands for compensation. Take the total costs of your medical care, out-patient care, medication needs, fees from seeing a medical specialist, repairs for your car and other property, total those costs, double the total, and you will have a reasonable figure for the negotiating phase.

2. Demonstrate You Know How to Bargain

First, the adjuster will offer a figure far lower than what you should accept. This initial offer is used to test your ability to negotiate. Many people get impatient and they settle for the comparatively small amount because they don't have to wait for it. Remember that it is in your best interest to be patient throughout this process.

Explain that, based on the injuries you sustained, the initial settlement offer wouldn't be close to sufficient to pay for your financial losses.

3. Take The Adjustor's Input Into Account

When the adjuster makes a second offer, note down the specific reasons given to justify the figure. Remember that the negotiations don't all have to be done in one meeting, and that you can take time away to weigh your options.

The injuries from your accident can negatively affect many areas of your life. However, don't give in to the temptation to end the proceedings prematurely. If you remain strong and committed to getting the compensation you deserve and you follow this guide, you will be better equipped to secure a positive outcome from your claim.

A legal office like Kaiser Law Group can help if you don't feel you are being offered the compensation you deserve.