This is the next post in our series on dealing with insurance companies in Hartford, Connecticut personal injury cases. Our last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to speak with an attorney if you or a loved one have been injured by the fault of another. It is important that you speak with counsel, as soon as possible, as doing so will help to ensure that your rights are protected from the outset of the matter. In this article we will discuss what one can expect from the insurance company’s adjusters in such a case. If you require assistance then contact our office today to speak with a lawyer.
It is common for insurance adjusters to quickly contact victims after an accident has occurred. This contact sometimes can come as quickly as a day or two after the incident. It is common for such adjusters to tell the victim that they do not need to retain an attorney. It is also common for the adjusters to request an in-person meeting at which they will record the statement of the victim. Finally, the adjuster will also tend to make a quick settlement offer shortly after this meeting. In cases involving more severe injuries, adjusters may wait longer to make an offer, but will still insist that the victim does not need legal representation. While such adjusters may come across as personable and/or compassionate, it is important to remember that they represent the interests of the insurance company and not the victim. This is why it is strongly suggested that you retain a lawyer, as counsel is the one who is charged with looking out for your interests.
It is also suggested that you retain counsel before speaking with an insurance adjuster. Counsel will inform the insurer of the representation. The adjuster will then deal with your lawyer directly. Your lawyer will keep them informed as to the status of your treatment. Once your long-term prognosis and damages are reasonably understood, your lawyer will send a letter to the insurer demanding payment. This demand will include compensation for pain and suffering, economic losses, medical bills, as well as money for future financial losses and medical needs. Your lawyer and the adjuster will then go back and forth in settlement negotiations. These negotiations can include discussions as to whether the victim should be considered partially responsible for the accident, whether any damages are the result of pre-existing conditions, etc. If a settlement cannot be reached then your attorney will not hesitate to file a lawsuit on your behalf.
It is understandable that many victims may wish to put a legal matter behind them quickly. This sense of urgency can come from the need for money as well as not wanting to deal with the aggravation of the legal process. It is important to understand, however, that not dealing with the matter properly will have negative long-term consequences on your future. By having counsel handle the matter properly, today, you save yourself aggravation tomorrow.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident then contact our office today to speak with a Hartford accident lawyer. We are able to assist with matters involving car accidents, trucking accidents, and more. Our attorneys have been serving the area for decades and we take pride in the level of service we provide. We are ready to assist you. We also serve the Connecticut areas of Wethersfield, New Britain, Rocky Hill, West and East Hartford, Bristol, Glastonbury, and Manchester, as well as the Middlesex County cities of Middletown and Cromwell.
