Adjusters will rely on several strategies to achieve the lowest settlement possible. A qualified Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer is absolutely essential in addressing their tactics and representing your interests.

Preliminary evaluation technique

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The preliminary evaluation technique is not unlike the What will you take technique, but has a peculiar twist. Suppose, for example, that a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer has assessed the case to be worth between $40,000 to $50,000. The defendants liability is indisputable and the central issue is value. The attorney tries to settle the case for as close to $50,000 as possible, and perhaps as high as $52,000 or $53,000 if lucky.

Bait and Switch

The attorney sends a demand letter requesting a settlement of $85,000. After months without response, the adjuster answers: I am conducting an initial evaluation of the case before I take it to the claims committee. But I cannot meet your figure of $85,000. My initial evaluation on this case is between $45,000 and $55,000. Is that acceptable?

The adjuster has seemingly agreed to the attorney settlement proposal, with a high point exceeding the attorneys own and a mid-point near to the top of the maximum amount. The attorney assumes that, even if the adjuster lowers the amount to a mid point of $50,000, the case is essentially settled near the A settlement. If the attorney can convince the adjuster to increase the amount to $55,000, she is $15,000 above the low point and $5,000 above the maximum. Thus, she responds with positive comments such as If you come back with $55,000, we will certainly take it.

Several days later the adjuster calls to make a firm offer. The adjuster tells the Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer that the preliminary evaluation was reduced by the committee or the claims supervisor to $35,000. The adjuster claims that he or she coaxed the claims committee to increase their evaluation to a firm $40,000 final offer.

The attorney is now struck with the low point of $40,000. The adjuster has gauged the attorneys positive response to the initial offer as an indication that she would be willing to take a lower range offer, and thus returned with a settlement that was lessened by 25% or more. The very best that she can do now is have the adjuster to move about $1,000 or $2,000, resulting in the case settling close to the lowest end of the range instead of the highest. The attorney is unlikely to go to trial over a difference of $3,000 to $5,000 and is forced her to settle for less than an A settlement.

The best way to counter this tactic is to inform the adjuster she will work with only to a firm offer acceptable to the client.

A capable Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can deal with any adjusters tactics and try to obtain the maximum settlement you require. For a free initial consultation of your case, call Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates at 1-800-961-8477.