Negotiating Your Accident Claim with Liberty Mutual

Negotiating with Liberty Mutual Insurance can be frustrating, whether dealing with one of their drivers or handling an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claim as their customer. The main difference is that insurance companies in Oklahoma are required to respond to UM/UIM claims timely. 
Clayton T. Hasbrook

Written by Clayton T. Hasbrook. Last modified on April 30, 2024

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Evaluate Your Injury Claim

Assessing your situation thoroughly before starting the negotiation process with Liberty Mutual is wise. Think of it as preparing for a major exam — the effort you put in beforehand can significantly influence the outcome.

  • Understand the Full Scope of Your Injuriesinsurance adjuster evaluating a claim at the sceneTake your time with this step. Injuries can sometimes take a while to manifest fully. It’s vital to have a comprehensive understanding of your injuries before filing your claim. Avoid attempting to settle too soon after the accident, especially if you anticipate ongoing medical treatment.
  • Collect Medical Records: These documents are foundational to your claim. Liberty Mutual will review every aspect of your medical treatment.
  • Account for Lost Wages: Document any work you missed due to the accident. Typically, you’ll need a statement from your employer to verify lost income. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide proof of what work you missed and likely need to include a copy of your 1099.
  • Quantify Pain and Suffering: Although more challenging to measure, the impact of your injuries on your daily life is a significant component of your claim.

The objective is to present a detailed account of how the accident has affected your life. A well-organized and comprehensive presentation can improve your chances of securing a favorable settlement. Adjusters may initially offer low settlements if they’re not provided with complete information.

Consider consulting a car accident lawyer to guide and strengthen your case if the process seems daunting.

Document Your Damages and Expenses

After assessing your injury claim, the next step involves meticulously documenting all relevant details. This is akin to compiling evidence for a trial, the outcome of which determines the value of your settlements.

  • Compile Receipts and Bills: Document every expense related to your accident, including medical bills, medication receipts, and travel expenses for doctor appointmentspainting a picture of how the car accident happened.
  • Detail Vehicle Repairs: Collect all related quotes, invoices, and receipts. You have the right to choose your repair shop.
  • Log Ongoing Treatments: If you require long-term care, such as physical therapy, keep detailed records of these appointments and their costs.
  • Photograph Everything: Images can provide compelling evidence of your injuries, the accident scene, and property damage.
  • Maintain a Recovery Log: Note your daily recovery progress, including any pain or limitations. This can support your claim for pain and suffering if your case does not settle.

Avoid common errors that could undermine your claim. The most significant mistake is missing the statute of limitations deadline. Equally detrimental is exaggerating your claim or the circumstances of the accident, as Liberty Mutual records all calls for “quality control purposes.”

Another frequent oversight is failing to account for certain expenses. Avoid these mistakes by familiarizing yourself with the top mistakes to avoid after a car accident.

Negotiate with Liberty Mutual’s Claims Adjuster

With thorough documentation, you’re ready to negotiate with Liberty Mutual’s claims adjuster. This phase involves strategic communication.car accident insurance demand letter

Initiate the Conversation: Approach the adjuster confidently, clearly presenting your case and evidence. Send them copies of all your documentation. Decide if you need to agree to a recorded statement.

Maintain Professionalism: Keep emotions in check during discussions. The adjuster is performing their role, and your goal is to secure the best possible settlement.

Determine Your Settlement Range: Before negotiations begin, decide on the lowest settlement amount you accept. Keep this figure to yourself and start the negotiation with a higher amount.

Do Not Accept the First Offer: Adjusters often start with a low offer. Politely decline and support your counteroffer with your documented evidence.

Request Justification for Low Offers: If the adjuster’s offer seems insufficient, ask them to explain their reasoning. You can then counter their points with your evidence.

Exercise Patience: Settlement negotiations can involve several rounds of back-and-forth discussion. It may take time to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties.

Consider Legal Assistance: An attorney can advance your claim by initiating legal action, which can often lead to negotiation with a more experienced adjuster.

For additional insights on case negotiation, you might find how to settle your case useful.

Understand Policy Limits and Insurance Coverage

The value of your claim may exceed what the insurance company is willing to pay, especially in “policy limits” cases.car accident insurance documents

Policy Limits: These caps set the maximum payout by the insurance company for a claim. Liberty Mutual’s policy limits may limit your compensation, regardless of your claim’s actual value. Oklahoma mandates a minimum 25/50/25 policy.

Types of Insurance Coverage: Various coverage types address specific damages. Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses and lost wages, while property damage liability addresses vehicle repairs or replacement.

Underinsured and Uninsured Coverage: If the at-fault party is underinsured or uninsured, your policy’s underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage can provide crucial support. Review your policy for these coverages beforehand.

Exclusions and Conditions: Every policy contains exclusions and conditions that outline scenarios where the policy does not pay out. Understanding these can prevent surprises during negotiations.

Deductibles are the out-of-pocket costs before insurance coverage applies. Knowing your deductible is essential for calculating your net settlement.

Consider Legal Representation for Your Claim

The decision to hire a lawyer when negotiating an injury claim with Liberty Mutual is significant.car accident to trial The benefits of legal representation often outweigh the costs.

Contact us for a free case evaluation. We can advise whether our involvement would increase your compensation or if you could handle the claim more cost-effectively.

Negotiation Skills: Lawyers with experience in personal injury cases know how to present a claim and counter insurance adjusters’ strategies effectively.

Legal Knowledge: A lawyer ensures compliance with all legal requirements, potentially distinguishing between a successful claim and a procedural error.

Claim Valuation: Lawyers consider economic and non-economic damages, potentially increasing your settlement based on their experience with similar cases.

Contingency Fee Arrangement: Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win.

Stress Relief: Managing recovery and a claim can be overwhelming. A lawyer can handle the claims process, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Court Representation: Having a lawyer is essential if your case goes to court. They will manage everything from filing the lawsuit to presenting your case.

For more information on whether you need legal representation, consider reading “Do You Need a Lawyer to Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement?“.

Finalize the Settlement and Review the Agreement

Approaching the final stages of negotiation with Liberty Mutual, it’s crucial to scrutinize the settlement agreement. This document outlines the terms of your compensation and requires careful review.

Release of Claims: Signing the agreement means you waive the right to pursue further legal action related to this claim. Ensure you are prepared to conclude this matter and that it includes everything in your claim.

Total Settlement Amount: Verify that the settlement covers all your damages, including future expenses. Ensure all lienholders and medical bills are addressed, as many doctors treat on a “lien basis.”

Payment Timeline: The agreement should specify when and how you will receive the settlement funds. This information is vital for financial planning.

Confidentiality: Some agreements may include a confidentiality clause. Review these terms carefully and negotiate if necessary.

Libert Mutual Accident Claims FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Immediately after a car accident, ensure the safety of all parties involved and call emergency services. Document the scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company. Avoid admitting fault at the scene.

How long do I have to file a claim after an accident in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the accident date. Initiating the claim process well before this timeframe is essential to preserve your right to compensation.

Can I negotiate my accident claim without a lawyer?

Yes, it’s possible to negotiate your accident claim without a lawyer. However, having an experienced attorney can improve your chances of securing a fair settlement, especially in complex cases or when dealing with significant injuries.

What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your insurance policy’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can compensate for your damages. Review your policy to understand the coverage limits and filing process.

What are common mistakes to avoid when negotiating an accident claim?

Common mistakes include accepting the first settlement offer, failing to document all damages and expenses thoroughly, and not understanding the full extent of your injuries before settling. Additionally, missing deadlines and underestimating the value of non-economic damages can negatively impact your claim.

What happens if we cannot settle with the insurance company?

If you cannot settle with the insurance company, you may need to escalate the matter by filing a lawsuit. This step typically involves legal representation and can lead to negotiations with a more experienced insurance adjuster or a trial.

Can future medical expenses be included in the settlement?

Yes, future medical expenses related to the accident can be included in the settlement. It is essential to work with medical professionals to estimate these costs accurately and include them in your claim documentation.

What should I know about policy limits and insurance coverage?

Understanding the policy limits and types of insurance coverage is essential when negotiating an accident claim. Policy limits set the maximum amount the insurance company will pay, while different coverage types address specific damages. Familiarize yourself with your policy’s details, including underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, to ensure comprehensive protection. The at-fault driver’s insurance does not have to disclose this information unless a lawsuit has been filed.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Clayton T. Hasbrook who has years of legal experience as a personal injury lawyer. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.