400 N Walker Ave #130, Oklahoma City, OK Phone: 405-605-2426
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.
The process of resolving a car accident claim often starts with negotiations designed to secure a fair settlement. These discussions focus on reaching an agreement with the insurance company, avoiding the need for a court battle. An experienced personal injury lawyer is essential during this stage, as they work to ensure you receive the proper compensation for your losses. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we focus on protecting your rights and maximizing your settlement.
Our team steps in to handle all communication with the insurance company. We gather evidence, calculate damages, and present a strong case to support your claim. The goal is simple: secure a settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Without proper legal representation, it’s easy to accept a low settlement offer that doesn’t meet your needs. That’s why preparation is key, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Preparing for Settlement Negotiations
Proper preparation is the basis of any good negotiation. Before entering talks with the insurance company, we take time to understand your injuries, damages, and how the accident has impacted your life. This includes reviewing medical records, assessing future medical expenses, and calculating lost income. By preparing thoroughly, we ensure no detail is overlooked.
Gathering Evidence and Documentation
Strong evidence is the key to winning your case. We begin by gathering police reports, medical records, statements from witnesses, and photos taken at the accident scene. These documents help us prove liability and show the full extent of your injuries.
For example, medical records are crucial for linking your injuries to the accident, while photos can demonstrate the severity of the crash. We also work with experts, like accident reconstruction specialists, to strengthen your claim. By gathering and organizing all this evidence, we create a compelling case that insurance companies can’t ignore.
Calculating the Value of the Claim
One of the most challenging aspects of a car accident claim is determining its value. Calculating economic damages, like medical expenses and lost income, is generally a more clear-cut process. However, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, require careful consideration. We also account for future medical treatment and reduced earning capacity.
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we leave no stone unturned when valuing your claim. Our experienced attorneys use proven methods to ensure all damages are included. Whether it’s ongoing medical care or the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury, we factor everything into the equation. This way, you will recover the maximum compensation possible.
Considering Prior Case Law and Precedents
Understanding prior case law is essential in personal injury claims. Legal precedents provide insight into how similar cases have been resolved. They help us predict outcomes and craft stronger arguments during negotiations.
We leverage our knowledge of case law to strengthen your position. For example, if a previous case involved comparable injuries and resulted in a higher settlement, we use that information to justify your claim. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, our experience allows us to address these issues effectively. This gives you an edge when dealing with insurance providers.
Key Roles of a Car Accident Lawyer in Negotiations
When it comes to settlement negotiations, your lawyer plays several important roles. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we act as your advocate, negotiator, and legal expert. We handle all communication with the insurance company, present strong arguments for maximum compensation, and ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the process. Here’s how we do it.
Communicating with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts. They may try to pressure you into accepting their first offer, which is often far below what you deserve. This is where having a lawyer makes a difference.
We handle all interactions with the insurance company, so you don’t say anything that could hurt your case. Whether it’s responding to questions or rejecting unreasonable offers, we ensure your best interests are always protected. Trust us to stand up to insurance investigators and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Presenting Strong Legal Arguments for Maximum Compensation
Strong legal arguments are crucial for securing a favorable settlement. Using evidence and legal principles, we build a case that highlights the other driver’s fault and the severity of your injuries.
Our experienced personal injury lawyer tailors each argument to the specifics of your case. For instance, if you suffered serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, we emphasize the long-term impact on your life. By demonstrating the full scope of your damages, we increase the likelihood of receiving more money.
Handling Counteroffers and Negotiating Terms
Counteroffers are common during the negotiation process. When the insurance company presents a counteroffer, we evaluate it carefully. If it falls short of your minimum settlement figure, we push back and continue negotiating.
Our goal is to reach a settlement agreement that reflects the true value of your claim. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we never settle for less than you deserve. We’ll keep fighting until we achieve a fair outcome.
Representing You in Court
If negotiations fail, the next step may be to go to court. While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, some require litigation. In such situations, we prepare thoroughly to represent you effectively.
Our lawyers have years of trial experience. We know how to present evidence, question witnesses, and argue our case before a judge or jury. Rest assured, we’re ready to take your case as far as needed to secure justice.
Strategies Used by Lawyers to Maximize Settlements
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we know how to maximize your car accident settlement. We use effective strategies tailored to your specific situation. One key approach is leveraging strong evidence. For example, if the at-fault driver was texting or speeding, we gather phone records, traffic camera footage, or witness statements to prove their negligence. This helps build a solid case against the insurance company.
Furthermore, we rely on expert testimony to strengthen your claim. Specialists like accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals can clarify the seriousness of your injuries and how they might impact your life in the long run. Their input adds weight to your demand letter and shows the insurance company why you deserve more money. We also concentrate on showcasing the complete scope of your losses, from medical expenses and lost income to the emotional and physical toll of your injuries.
Every personal injury case is unique, so we adjust our strategy to fit your needs. Whether it’s a motor vehicle accident or another type of injury claim, we ensure no detail is overlooked. Our car accident attorneys have years of experience handling car accident cases, and we understand the claims process inside and out. Most personal injury attorneys settle cases without going to trial, but we prepare for every possibility.
When Settlement Negotiations Fail
Sometimes, negotiations don’t go as planned. This can happen if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability. When this occurs, we explore other options to resolve your case.
Considering Mediation or Arbitration Before the Trial
Mediation and arbitration are alternatives to going to court. These methods can save time and reduce stress while still helping you reach a fair resolution. In mediation, a neutral third party works with both sides to find common ground and settle the dispute. It’s less formal than a trial, and you stay in control of the outcome.
Arbitration, on the other hand, is more structured. An arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a final decision. This decision is usually binding, meaning both parties must accept it. We’ll help you decide if mediation or arbitration is the right choice for your auto accident claim. These options often lead to quicker results compared to a lengthy trial, and they can still result in a fair injury settlement.
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we have experience guiding car accident victims through these processes. Most car accident lawyers prefer these methods when possible because they avoid the unpredictability of a trial. Let us help you determine the best path forward.
Going To Trial
If mediation or arbitration doesn’t work, we’re ready to take your case to trial. Trials can be complex, but we’ll prepare thoroughly to present your case in the strongest way possible. This includes gathering evidence, working with expert witnesses, and building a solid argument to prove the at-fault driver’s liability.
We understand how stressful this process can be for accident victims. That’s why we handle every detail, from filing a personal injury lawsuit to presenting evidence in court. Our team works hard to make sure that the at-fault party is held liable and that you receive the settlement that you deserve. Whether it’s medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we ensure no aspect of your claim is overlooked.
You can trust us to stand by your side throughout the trial. Most personal injury claims settle before reaching this stage, but if your case does go to court, you’ll have an experienced car accident lawyer fighting for your rights.
How Our Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer Maximizes the Value of Your Case
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we’re here to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Our experienced car accident attorneys know how to handle all the steps of insurance claims from start to finish.
We understand how insurance companies work, and we’re ready to fight back if they try to offer you less than you deserve. Whether it’s dealing with the insurance company’s first offer or pushing for a fair insurance settlement, we’ve got your back.
Our lawyers maximize the value of your case by carefully evaluating all your damages. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and even future expenses like ongoing medical treatment. By building a strong case, we can show the insurance company why you deserve full and fair compensation.
The settlement process can be complicated, but we make it easier for you. Our team handles all the negotiations, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with the insurance company on your own. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. No matter what it takes, we’ll fight to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Call Our Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the insurance company alone. Let Hasbrook & Hasbrook handle the legal details while you focus on recovery. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Call us today to schedule your appointment.