This is the next post in our series on handling car accident cases in Hartford, Connecticut. In the last article we dealt with the topic of how damages are calculated for car accidents. It is important to understand that damages involve more than just the calculation of actual money spent. Damages also account for future pain and suffering as well as future medical care rising out of the accident. Because of the speculation involved in calculating future damages and the need for experts, retaining an attorney with experience in such matters is recommended. In this post, we will be addressing another important topic, how to deal with insurance adjusters after a car accident. If you were recently in a motor vehicle accident and are in need of representation, contact our office today to speak with a lawyer.
The process that Hartford residents will go through after a car accident
Immediately following a car accident, there are several things that will occur. The first is that the victim’s attorney will contact the defendant’s insurance carrier to inform them of the representation. By informing the insurance company, it will alert them that they need to interact directly with the lawyer. This also allows for the victim to focus entirely on their recovery and medical treatment. The next thing that will occur is that the victim will sign a HIPPA release form, enabling their attorney to communicate with, and obtain information from their physician. By doing this, your counsel can stay up to date on the status of your treatment.
Depending on the severity of the injuries, the case may go into a “holding pattern.” This occurs when the extent of the injuries are vast and an estimate for total damages is not able to be made at that time. As such, the case goes into a “holding pattern” until the future damages can be reasonably determined. Once your attorney is able to make a reasonable estimate of your future damages, they will send a demand of payment letter to the insurance adjuster. This “reasonable estimate” of damages will include future costs of medical care, compensation for any future reduction in earnings, as well as money for pain, suffering, and inconvenience. The demand will include a request for the sum of these monies, evidence (police reports, etc.) of the defendant’s negligence, and proof (billings and records) of the victim’s injuries. After the insurance adjusters have received the settlement demand, lawyers for both sides will begin negotiations in an effort to reach a settlement. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached then a lawsuit will be filed.
Why Hartford car accident victims should retain an attorney to deal with insurance adjusters
When handling a car accident case, law firms generally have to front a significant amount of money to handle court expenses. Depending on the severity of the case, this expense can reach into the thousands and even tens of thousands. Because of that potential expense, retaining a firm that is able to front the potential cost is important to keep in mind. Our firm has both the resources and the experience to help you through your car accident case.
Our Hartford attorneys have decades of experience in this area. We take great pride in serving those in our community. Contact our office today for an initial consultation. We also assist residents in the areas of Wethersfield, New Britain, Rocky Hill, East and West Hartford, Bristol, Glastonbury, and Manchester, as well as the Middlesex County cities of Middletown and Cromwell.
