What are the 10 things an accident lawyer do when negotiating with the insurance companies when representing an auto victim

When someone is involved in a car accident and sustains injuries or property damage, they may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, dealing with insurance companies can be a complex and stressful process. This is where an experienced auto accident lawyer can help. In this article, we will discuss the ten things that an accident lawyer may do when negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of an auto accident victim.

 

Conduct a Thorough Investigation

The first thing that an accident lawyer will do when representing an auto accident victim is to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. They will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene to determine who was at fault. The lawyer may also hire an accident reconstruction specialist to help determine the cause of the accident.

 

Assess the Full Extent of the Victim’s Injuries

The lawyer will also assess the full extent of the victim’s injuries, including the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages, and other damages. They will work with the victim’s medical team to understand the nature and extent of the injuries sustained and will use this information to determine the amount of compensation that the victim may be entitled to.

 

Determine Liability

Once the lawyer has gathered evidence and assessed the victim’s injuries, they will determine liability for the accident. This involves determining who was at fault for the accident and to what extent. The lawyer will use this information to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.

 

Present a Demand Letter

The lawyer will present the insurance company with a demand letter that outlines the victim’s losses and demands fair compensation. This letter will include a detailed account of the victim’s injuries and the financial losses that they have suffered as a result of the accident.

 

Negotiate with the Insurance Company

The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a settlement that compensates the victim for their losses. This negotiation may involve several rounds of back-and-forth between the lawyer and the insurance company’s representatives. The lawyer will use their knowledge of the law and the insurance industry to argue for a fair settlement.

 

Present Evidence of the Victim’s Injuries

The lawyer will present evidence of the victim’s injuries and other damages to support the claim. This may include medical records, bills, and other documentation that shows the extent of the victim’s injuries and the financial losses that they have suffered.

 

Use Their Knowledge of the Law and the Insurance Industry

The lawyer will use their knowledge of the law and the insurance industry to argue for a fair settlement. They will understand the various factors that insurance companies consider when determining the value of a claim, and they will use this knowledge to their advantage during negotiations.

 

Consider Filing a Lawsuit

If the insurance company is not willing to negotiate in good faith, the lawyer may consider filing a lawsuit on behalf of the victim. Filing a lawsuit can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it may be necessary to obtain fair compensation for the victim’s losses.

 

Work with Expert Witnesses

The lawyer may work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to strengthen the case. These experts can provide testimony and evidence that supports the victim’s claim for damages.

 

Keep the Victim Informed

Throughout the negotiation process, the lawyer will keep the victim informed about the progress of the negotiations and advise them on the best course of action. They will ensure that the victim understands their rights and options and will provide guidance on how to proceed if a settlement cannot be reached.

 

In conclusion, an accident lawyer can help an auto accident victim negotiate with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation for their losses.