Should I negotiate?

Q: Can I negotiate my own car accident settlement directly with the insurance company?

A: Yes you can, but more to the point, SHOULD YOU attempt this negotiation? I respectfully suggest that most people are not in a very good position to do this for at least two reasons. First, most people do not possess the ability to critically analyse the facts of their own case to consider how a court might give judgment based on those facts. Our courts decide each case on the specific facts of each case; however, they are also bound to use past decided cases to inform their judgment. If you can’t do this, you are trying to guess your way to a fair settlement. “They say” even a blind hog finds an acorn every now again. While I am not sure who said this, the truth of the sentiment is clear. Don’t guess your way to a settlement. You should also consider that blind hogs probably don’t find an acorn 99% of the time.

Secondly, emotion can get the best of people. When you negotiate (any matter) for yourself, you are undoubtedly influenced by your own emotions. Very few people can be objective about their own lives and emotion can cloud your judgment. Get good informed legal advice, don’t be the blind hog.