This is the next post in our series on how to deal with insurance companies after an accident in Peoria or another area of Illinois. Our last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the importance of retaining an attorney sooner, rather than later. By contacting counsel immediately you help to ensure that your best interests are being protected. In this article, we will discuss the general process one can expect while their counsel is dealing with the insurer. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact our office today to speak with a personal injury lawyer.
Peoria accident victims are likely to be contacted by an insurance adjuster immediately following the incident
It is common for insurance adjusters to contact accident victims almost immediately following the incident. In fact, such adjusters may very well contact the victim within a day or two. The adjuster will often seem friendly, will tell the victim that they simply want to resolve the matter, and it is common for them to suggest that the victim does not need an attorney. Unfortunately, many accident victims meet with such adjusters and take their representations at face value. This can result in a victim signing a settlement agreement which leaves them without compensation for future pain and suffering as well as future lost wages. It is important to remember that once a settlement agreement is signed, then the matter is resolved and there is generally no ability to recover future compensation.
It is strongly suggested that Peoria accident victims contact an attorney immediately following the accident. Counsel will send a notice to the insurer that they are now the point of contact for the matter. This will allow your lawyer to deal with the insurer directly while you focus on the important business of getting healthy. Counsel will be in regular contact with you while your injuries are being treated. If you have been seriously injured, then your representative will work with rehabilitative and vocational experts to evaluate how the accident has impacted your physical and financial future. Once your damages and long-term prognosis can be reasonably ascertained, then your counsel will send a demand for payment to the insurance adjuster.
Your personal injury lawyer will attempt to reach a settlement with the insurance company
A victim’s personal injury lawyer will engage in settlement negotiations with the insurance company once the demand letter has been sent. This will include back and forth between the two sides, the continued exchange of documents, and additional meetings. If a settlement cannot be reached then counsel will file a lawsuit on your behalf. Whether or not a settlement is reached typically revolves around one of two possibilities. First, the insurance company may be disputing whether their customer was actually at fault for the accident. Second, even if liability is clear, the insurer may dispute the amount of damages which a victim is requesting. One of the benefits of having counsel is that they will advise you against accepting “low ball” offers in the event that the insurer does not make a fair offer of compensation. If a settlement cannot be reached then your lawyer will not hesitate to file a lawsuit.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria injury attorney. My office handles a wide range of cases which includes auto accidents, semi-truck accidents, and more. We pride ourselves on providing quality service and we are ready to assist you. Contact us today. Our firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
