Q: The insurance company is offering to settle my case but I’m not sure if their offer is reasonable. How do I know?
A: Add up all your out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as Dr. bills, pharmacy bills, and other expenses related to treating your physical injuries; add up the lost income you suffered resulting from the loss of time from work; calculate the value of the pain and suffering you have experienced; then add the sum of each of those components together and you will get a rough estimate of the value of your case. If the offer does not equal what you’re sum total is, then it is probably inadequate. Most insurance companies will lowball you on their offers. My experience is that you’ll never get a reasonable first offer from any insurance company. You will have to negotiate, and it is usually best to do so with the representation of an experienced attorney.
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