Handling an Auto Accident Claim on Your Own

[youtube]https://youtu.be/6Xq1pUFq4Uo[/youtube]

Hi! I’m Gary Burger at Burger Law. Many times folks try to handle their auto accident claims on their own, and I get it. You don’t want
to pay a lawyer. I actually have a book on my website, The Ten Biggest Mistakes People Make in Resolving Their Own
Cases, and another book on How to Decide Whether to Get Another Lawyer. You can see those at www.burgerlaw.com.

However, if you try to resolve your case on your own, remember to try to give all your medical bills. Remember to talk
about your wage loss damages. Talk about the time period that you’re having pain and suffering and the symptoms you
have, the other ways it affects you, things you can’t do now that you used to be able to do because of the injuries you
sustained in that automobile-truck collision or any other types of accidents. Communicate that to them
and try to get the highest number. When they say they can only offer you so much, demand a little bit more and say,
“I’ll settle it if you give me an extra $1,000, $2,500,” whatever the range of your case.

If it turns out that they’re not treating you fairly and you’re unable to get a resolution on your own, call us, we can
help, that’s what we do. And, I have a book and there are some other ideas about how to negotiate. Remember, don’t feel
pressured to negotiate, don’t feel taking advantage of. They don’t have to not pay 100%. They shouldn’t be paying you
70% of your damages. There is a lot of tricks adjusters use. They do things like, “Well, you’re only partially at
fault,” and you’re sitting there going, “I got rear-ended. I didn’t do anything wrong. Of course I’m not at fault.”

The time limitations in Missouri is five years, Illinois is two years. There’s different limitations period, so you
certainly have adequate time to treat. The one thing you want to make sure you don’t do is don’t settle your case before
you’re done with your medical treatment. You never want to be in a situation where you settle your case and then you
have back surgery later.

Those are just some of the ideas I have about negotiating your own personal injury case. If it fails,
call us, we’ll help, 314 542 2222. Thanks.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

Chat With Us