Unless you have been through negotiations in the past with an insurance company, your first time can be daunting. The insurance company's adjusters are experienced in the process and will use all of the tricks of the trade to pay as little as possible on your claim. Before you file your personal injury claim, here are some tips to help improve your chances of getting a fair settlement. 

Determine What Is Fair

One of the most important steps you need to take before filing a claim with an insurance company is to determine exactly what you think is a fair settlement. To calculate the amount, you need to factor in your medical bills, income that you lost, and any long-term problems that might require medical attention in the future. 

In addition to those damages, you need to place a dollar amount on your pain and suffering. Calculating pain and suffering can be difficult because there is no value chart to refer to. If you are unsure of how much you should ask for, consult with an attorney. He or she can evaluate your case and help you determine what is warranted. 

Set a Minimum and Starting Point

Once you have the amount you want to receive from the settlement, you need to determine the minimum amount that you are willing to accept. Ensure that the amount is at least enough to cover your actual damages, such as the medical bills and loss of income. 

You also need to determine your starting point for negotiations. A big mistake would be to start with what you actually want. Instead, bump your starting point up. If you do wind up settling for an amount higher than you wanted, it is a win for you. 

Point Out the Emotional Aspects of Your Case

You have an advantage over the insurance company that you may not have realized. The insurance company does not want to go to court because juries can sometimes view the situation as a giant corporation refusing to pay what is owed. You can use this to your advantage.

If you have pictures of your injuries or other damages, let the insurance company know. The pictures in court could make a jury more sympathetic to your case while putting the insurance company's case in jeopardy. If the insurance company knows that you have a good emotional story to go with your case, they might be willing to negotiate a more fair settlement. 

There are many other ways that you can get a fair settlement from an insurance company. Learn more about how to get a fair settlement by working with a personal injury attorney to determine what methods would work best in your situation.