The first offer after an accident is often a lowball — and you should know your options before you sign.

In this episode, William F. Kendig from Rice & Kendig law firm in Shreveport, Louisiana demystifies the decision to reject an insurance settlement offer. We equip you with powerful negotiation strategies, explain what happens next (including entering litigation), and clarify when it makes sense to go to trial to fight for fair compensation. William F. Kendig has over 30 years of experience in the courtroom and has been recognized as a Top Attorney by SB Magazine.

Throughout this episode, we explore why insurance companies make initial settlement offers designed to minimize their financial exposure, the valid reasons to reject inadequate offers, including insufficient coverage of medical expenses, inadequate compensation for lost wages, and failure to address pain and suffering damages. We discuss what typically happens after rejection, including continued settlement negotiations, alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration, and the possibility of filing a personal injury lawsuit to pursue full compensation. We also examine the factors that influence settlement negotiations such as the strength of your evidence, quality of legal representation, your willingness to go to trial, and Louisiana's comparative fault system. Additionally, we address critical timing considerations including Louisiana's statute of limitations, common mistakes to avoid during negotiations, and strategic approaches to strengthening your case with additional evidence and compelling counteroffers that maximize your settlement potential.

More information is available by reaching out to https://www.RiceKendig.com or by calling (318) 222-2772.

This podcast is an audio version of a blog post written by J. Marshall Rice.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by listening to this segment. Please consult with an attorney for specific legal advice.