Kentucky Personal Injury
When you have been injured or have received damages from an injury in Kentucky, dealing with insurance companies and seeking compensation can be a daunting, and sometimes overwhelming prospect. Many are unsure of how to handle an insurance claim, and the steps that need to be taken to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To help our clients better understand the process of filing a claim with an insurance company, the Kentucky personal injury lawyer, John Byrnes has complied a list of tips and advice for dealing with both your own insurance company, and the insurance companies of others.
- Hire an attorney to assist you in negotiations. Dealing with an insurance adjuster after being involved in an accident can be a stressful, frustrating experience. Retaining the services of an attorney will take the majority of the burden off of you and allow you to focus on your own recovery. An attorney will help you communicate effectively with your insurance company and ensure that your rights are protected and you get the compensation you need and deserve.
- Notify the parties involved that you intend to seek compensation. This will help you receive a timely settlement and prevent the other parties involved from claiming you unfairly surprised them by seeking compensation.
- Investigate and gather evidence. Either you or your attorney will need to gather certain evidence to support your claim to the insurance company. This evidence may include pictures of your injuries or the scene of your accident, police reports and citations, and witness information and statements. When this evidence has been gathered, your attorney will send it along with a letter demanding compensation for your injuries to your insurance company.
- Aim high in the amount you seek. While you and your Kentucky personal injury attorney will have an idea of how much you deserve to receive in compensation, your attorney may ask for up to double that amount in their initial demand letter. This will allow room for negotiation until you and insurance company can settle on an amount that suits you both.
- Be sure that you read and understand the terms in the settlement release. When you receive a settlement check from the insurance company you will also be asked to sign a document releasing the insurance company from any further liability related to your claim. Before you sign this document, be sure you read it carefully and have an attorney explain any unfamiliar terms to ensure that your rights are protected and any questions you have are answered.
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