Understanding the Claims Process

Often, people don’t want to contact a lawyer after they are injured because they don’t want to sue anybody. However, with the help of an experienced lawyer, one may recover without ever filing a lawsuit. A lawyer will open claims with all applicable insurance companies and provide them with all evidence, such as incident reports, witness statements, photographs of injuries, lost wage information, property damage, and medical records and billing. Your lawyer will submit a demand letter detailing the damages sought and will then begin negotiating on your behalf.

 

It’s important to hire a lawyer to ensure your case is valued correctly and presented. Your lawyer will keep you informed along the way and will try to reach a full and fair settlement that reflects the value of your claim. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize payments for your injuries. They may not even consider the pain and suffering you have been through, so its vital to consult with a lawyer before accepting any offers. If you do receive an offer before hiring a lawyer, make sure to tell your lawyer, and they will work to get you what you deserve to be whole again.

A lawyer will also help you understand where you stand and what is an appropriate amount to settle for. They will consider the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. They will break down the recoverable damages and assess every angle of your claim. They will be in contact with you in order to demonstrate to the insurance companies the amount of distress you have been in. You must also help by providing them with any requested documentation they may need; for example, photographs, tax information, and pain journals are frequently requested documentation. However, hiring a lawyer will make the claim process easier for you, and your primary duty will be to focus on your medical treatment. In contrast, your lawyer handles the legal aspect of your claim.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will speak to you about filing a lawsuit. It is up to you if that is something you want to do or not. Keep in mind that many cases in South Carolina do end up settling before going to trial, so just because you file a lawsuit doesn’t mean you no longer have the ability to settle your claim.