Insurance Claims Process

There are some situations where a personal injury victim may consider going through the claim process without the assistance of an experienced attorney. While in some situations this is advisable, there are some that are not. Such situations include aspects where the law is complex like medical malpractice or where the process may prove to be complex. However, there are situations that allow for a personal injury victims to complete their claim process on their own. This requires that the claimant have fore knowledge of the processes and the best ways to approach the claims. This article will address handling an insurance claim without the help of a lawyer or legal representation by the claimant.

If you have presented an insurance company with an organized letter of demand and proper documentation, your claim negotiation process is likely to consist of a few phone calls with an insurance adjuster. However, if the documentation or letter of demand is incomplete there will be phone calls referring to inadequate information and a request for such information.

How the negotiation process works:

During the first call with the insurance adjuster, you and the adjuster will both make points regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. During the first call, it is important to pay attention to the information shared by the adjuster. Thereafter, the adjuster will make an offer to settle your claim for an amount lower than what you requested in your letter of demand. You will then respond with a higher figure than what the adjuster will have offered but lower than what you requested in your letter of demand. Normally after two or three phone calls you will agree on a settlement figure somewhere in between. This is basically how the negotiations work.

Reservation of rights:

If you receive a reservation of rights letter from the insurance company do not feel alarmed or intimidated. This letter basically is to inform you that the insurance company is investigating your claim. The letter also notifies you that the insurance company is reserving its right not to pay you anything if it turns out that the accident is not covered under your policy.

Have a settlement in mind:

As you put your letter of demand together, you should have determined the worth of your claim. Therefore, before you speak to the adjuster decide on a minimum settlement figure that you will accept. This figure should be lower than what is in your letter of demand. You do not need to share this figure with the adjuster. During the initial call sharing strengths and weaknesses of your claim, note facts that you may have not taken into consideration that weaken your case and reassess your figure and lower it. If the adjuster starts with a figure that is close to your minimum you may want to adjust the figure and make it higher.

Do not jump at the first offer, chances are it is lower than you ought to be getting even if it is close to your minimum figure. If you are looking for the best lawyers in Anchorage, Ak, be sure to include Crowson Law Group on your list.

For advice on personal injury claims, the author recommends Crowsonlaw.Com.