English
Español
What Is the Process For Handling Insurance Companies After An Auto Accident?
Being involved in an auto accident can be a pain in the neck -literally as well as figuratively. It can be difficult to know what to expect and how to navigate through the claims and recovery process. At Ritchie Reiersen Law in Algona we have had years of experience working with insurance companies. We consider the following list to be what one can typically expect in the process of working with insurance companies after a car accident.
Open a claim.
This can be as simple as a single phone call, but usually requires more information via multiple calls, faxing information, and emails. You will most likely need to open a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance as well.
Written correspondence.
Read through the correspondence from the insurance carefully. Often among the stack of papers is a release form allowing the insurance company access to request all your medical records. Be mindful in all correspondence as these things can be used to minimize your settlement.
Recorded statements.
Both insurance companies are going to want to interview you about the accident and any injuries and get additional details from you to help them determine liability. We recommend doing these recorded statements in the presence of a lawyer.
Settlement offers.
Insurance companies will often make a settlement offer very early in the claim. Be wary of accepting an offer until you know for certain it is fair. Early offers can come in before you know the full extent of injuries. Once an offer is accepted, there is no going back to reopen the claim if you discover your medical needs continue.
The legal team at Ritchie Reiersen Law in Algona will be the first to tell you that not all car accidents require an attorney. But we have also seen that “minor” accidents can cause big injuries. If you have been injured in an accident in the Algona area and wonder if an experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the insurance claims process. The insurance companies have attorneys to help them – having an experienced attorney on your side will ensure your rights are upheld and your claim is given fair and proper settlement consideration.
I Don’t Think I Can Afford A Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury attorneys are lawyers who specialize in cases involving accidents and injuries that are caused by the negligent actions of another. These may involve auto accidents, dog bites, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death, or sexual abuse by an authority figure. Most personal injury lawyers work on what is called a contingency fee. This means that we don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. So, how does this really help you? At Ritchie Reiersen Law Offices, we feel that this actually works to your advantage. Besides the extra motivation this gives us to give our all on each and every case, experience has shown us that insurance settlement offers are actually larger when the injured party has a lawyer working on their side. With knowledge, experience, and a passion for helping victims, we can help you determine whether or not the settlement amount being offered is really fair.
Why Should I Get An Attorney After An Injury?
Being injured due to the neglectful actions of another can cause a great deal of stress and heartache in one’s life. Opening an insurance claim, working with adjusters, following up with medical care, taking care of property damage – it can be an overwhelming time. Car accidents can affect many aspects of your life – but being involved in one shouldn’t take over your life. If you find that the thought of taking another call from the insurance company is overwhelming to you, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney at Ritchie Reiersen Law in Algona about your experience. What can one of our personal injury attorneys do to help you?
Establish fault and prove negligence.
There are methods to assign percentages of negligence and fault in an auto accident. The insurance company of the at-fault driver who caused the accident may use these methods to their own advantage. The car accident lawyers at Ritchie Reiersen Law won’t let you be taken advantage of.
Ensure you are the priority.
Insurance companies are for-profit entities. Their focus will be to minimize the hit to their bottom line. At Ritchie Reiersen Law, we believe that you – the victim in the accident – and your needs should be the priority of the negotiation process.
File a claim before the statute of limitations expires.
The clock begins ticking as soon the accident happens. Because we are local individuals, we know the laws and the statutes of the state of Washington. We won’t let the time for action slip away.
Secure maximum compensation.
We will make sure we take into account the many ways a car accident has and will yet affect you. We will gather the proper documentation to prove what we believe will be a full and considerate compensation package for you, and we will fight for that.
The auto accident attorneys at Ritchie Reiersen Law in Algona strive to be ethical and dependable members of the community. We work to help restore the rights of those who have been injured due to negligent actions of others. For a free consultation to find out how we can assist you after an auto accident, please call us today.
