Many times people injured in a car crash ask me if they should hire a lawyer. While insurance company studies have shown that the average settlement is three times greater with a lawyer than without sometimes people do not want to pay a lawyer a one third contingent fee. Be prepared to spend a lot of time trying to communicate with the insurance adjuster, obtaining all medical records and bills and lost wage documentation and making sure the medical bills are paid in full. Here is a sample initial letter to the insurance company:
Date
Re: Our Client:
Your Insured:
Date of Loss:
Your Claim No.:
Dear
Please be advised that this office has been retained by
Liability appears to be clear at this point. If you have any information which leads you to believe that a liability question exists, I would appreciate notice of this fact as soon as possible. Otherwise, I would like for us to proceed in this claim on the assumption that liability is clear and that the only issue is the extent of damages sustained by my client.
I would also appreciate knowing the policy limits of your insured. Please also send a certified copy of your insured’s policy.
We are contacting medical care providers to obtain records and billing information which we will provide to you in due course.
I look forward to working with you to resolve the claims involved fairly and as promptly as circumstances will allow. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time to discuss the case.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
Sincerely,
David Polow
DP/hls
cc: