How Do Attorneys Handle Negotiations With Insurance Companies After an Accident?

Have you been injured in an accident? Are you in the East Hartford, CT, area? A personal injury lawyer may be able to help you negotiate with insurance companies for compensation.

Evaluate the Case

The first thing a good attorney will do before entering into negotiations with an insurance company is evaluate the case closely. They will look at the details of the accident: the police reports, the witness statements, the medical records, and any photos or videos of the area or incident.

They will gather additional evidence if they can to strengthen your case and show that the other party was entirely or mostly liable for the accident. (Connecticut operates under a comparative negligence system: if you, the victim, are partially at fault, the compensation you may be awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault. You cannot claim any compensation if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident.)

Send an Initial Demand Letter

A demand letter will then be sent to the insurance company giving details of the accident, explaining who was at fault for the accident, describing the injuries, and then stating the amount requested for settlement. Your lawyer has evidence to back up the request: a detailed list of your economic damages, e.g., medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, e.g., pain and suffering. They will usually ask for a higher amount than they actually expect to settle for to leave room for negotiation.

Counter Low Offers

Insurance adjusters usually begin by making an offer to settle for a lower amount than what was requested. An attorney will usually counter a low offer by pointing out relevant evidence in support of the initial demand, or emphasizing the suffering of the victim. They may cite relevant Connecticut case law or statutes, such as precedents on awards for pain and suffering.

Apply Time Pressure

Connecticut law requires insurance companies to respond in good faith, per the Unfair Insurance Practices Act. A good lawyer will remind insurance companies of that law as well as the statute of limitations that applies to the type of claim you are making, to push the insurer to act.

Consider a Bad Faith Lawsuit, If Necessary

If the claim is delayed or denied, an attorney may mention that it may be necessary to file a bad faith lawsuit. A bad faith lawsuit could expose an insurance company to additional damages, so insurers are generally eager to avoid this.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer in East Hartford, CT

An experienced Connecticut attorney knows the characteristics of local insurance companies and can tailor their negotiations to fit. They will be able to play hardball with an adjuster who is stingy, or they can build an airtight case with strong evidence to push for a better deal.

If you have been injured in an accident because of someone’s negligence, get in touch with Adler Law Group, LLC Attorneys at Law, in East Hartford, CT.

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