Filing an insurance claim is one of the main avenues that victims of personal injury have for recovering damages. Unfortunately, pursuing compensation this way is not always easy, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. For this reason, you may wonder, “Will my lawyer deal with the insurance company for me?”
Personal injury attorneys can do more than take civil cases to court—they can handle every legal aspect of your case as it moves through the insurance claims process. Hiring an attorney to handle the insurance company for you may help you feel more at ease about your case, as the legal burden will fall onto your attorney’s shoulders. Learn more about the services a personal injury attorney can offer when filing an insurance claim on your behalf below.
Preparing Your Insurance Claim with the Help of an Attorney
The process for pursuing compensation through an insurance claim will depend on the insurance laws in your state. Some states require you to submit a claim to your own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for your accident. Other states allow you to file a claim under the responsible party’s liability insurance policy.
Whether you are filing a claim under your own no-fault policy or requesting damages from the negligent party’s insurer, you must take certain steps to prepare your case before submitting a claim, as compensation is not guaranteed.
To increase the likelihood of receiving an insurance settlement, you should collect as much evidence to support your claim as possible. You may also want to calculate the value of your case so that you know your financial goals when entering negotiations or at trial. An attorney can manage your case on your behalf while you deal with your injuries if necessary.
Collecting Evidence to Support Your Insurance Claim
If you want to file a personal injury claim on an accident to collect compensation, you must prove how the incident took place and that it led to your injuries and financial losses. Many different kinds of evidence may help you validate your claim with the insurance company. Some pieces of evidence may be harder to collect on your own than others, which is where an attorney can step in to assist you.
For example, your lawyer may:
- Request the police report or testimony from law enforcement
- Obtain any video or photographic evidence available
- Interview witnesses from the scene
- Seek expert testimony to present analysis on your accident, injuries, and economic losses
- Present portions of your medical records that show how your injuries connect to the accident
Depending on the nature of your case, other evidence may also be available. An attorney can help you seek out and obtain any evidence that may be relevant to your claim.
Calculating the Value of Your Personal Injury Case
Before pursuing damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit, you should calculate the value of your losses and injuries. Placing a value on your claim may help you understand what kind of damages you might be eligible for, which might also mean that you may evaluate settlements offered to you with a better understanding of your case’s worth.
Certain evidence you use may also play a role in calculating your damages. For example, an attorney might use your medical records and expert analysis, such as from a medical professional, to determine what kind of future treatment expenses you might face. Your lawyer may also account for any property damage and related out-of-pocket expenses you have dealt with since the incident.
If you were out of work for any amount of time due to your injuries or the incident has reduced your capacity to work, these losses may be listed under your damages as well. A lawyer may also utilize pay stubs and information from your employer to calculate any wages and benefits you missed out on due to your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call (972) 535-6377
A Lawyer Can Handle the Insurance Settlement Negotiations
Even if you provide evidence and request what you believe is a fair value for your claim, it is still possible that the insurance company might offer a lower settlement than what you are entitled to collect. You may feel pressured to accept the first offer you receive to get the process over with and move on with your life. However, this can cause you to miss out on compensation that can help you cover future expenses for medical treatment and other financial needs.
Along with building your case and valuing your damages, an attorney can represent you in communications with the insurance adjuster or the other parties involved in your claim. This includes filing paperwork, discussing your case, and fighting for a settlement.
Let a Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Company for You
If you are still unsure about hiring a lawyer to handle your case, consider contacting Underwood Law Office for a complimentary consultation. A member of our team can review the details of your case and explain how we may be able to assist you. Reach out to our Texas team today at (972) 535-6377 or contact our team in West Virginia at (304) 522-0508.
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