Many people believe that because the carrier will come back with a lower figure than the demand, the attorney for the injured person should request a very high figure to begin with. This tactic is typically counterproductive. If the first demand figure is way out of line, most insurance companies will not even respond to the request for settlement.
Asking for an unreasonably high figure for settlement will often delay the process and sometimes make the insurance company refuse to make any offer at all. Therefore, it is important that the first demand be in a reasonable range. Because your lawyer is experienced in this area of law, he or she will have the best idea as to amount for the first demand figure.