What to Do at the Scene of an Accident.. Part 2
What to Do at the Scene of an Accident.. Part 2
In a previous article, we recounted the steps you should take at the scene of an auto, truck, or motorcycle accident in which you’ve sustained a personal injury. Followed correctly, these steps will go a long way in ensuring that the accident scene and your injuries are well documented and your rights are protected. The attorneys of Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC would like to remind you of a few simple additional tips that, if put into practice at the scene of an accident, will go even further in making certain that a full and accurate accounting of the incident is on the record. Tip number one for today… document the damage! Hard as it is to believe, many accident victims don’t make sure that photos of the damage to their vehicle are taken at the scene of the accident. Always make certain that photos are taken prior to having repairs done. Once this is done, you or your attorney can contact your insurance carrier about beginning repairs. Remember also that if the accident was not your fault and you don’t want to facilitate repairs through your own carrier, you have the right to go through the at fault party’s insurance company. Following an accident there are parties you should cooperate with, the primary one being the police of course. There are also parties you should avoid speaking with, and it’s vital that you know who they are. Simply put, avoid speaking with anyone but your attorney, members of his staff, or his or her investigator regarding the accident or your case. This includes even your own insurance company, as your attorney may wish to be present for those conversations. There is a likelihood that you may be approached by outside parties regarding your case. If so, immediately inquire as to who they represent. If they aren’t a part of your legal team, then zip it. It’s no secret that the immediate aftermath of an accident can be chaotic, emotion filled, and frightening. If you’ve sustained an injury of any sort, this can only add to the chaos. Still, it is important to keep your wits about you and proceed in a fashion that benefits you. By following the steps outlined in these articles, and by seeking the representation of an experienced accident attorney, you’ll go a long way in securing the outcome you deserve.Michael Dugger is an associate of Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC. The <a href="http://www.sgplaw.com/">attorneys</a> at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC have been successfully handling <a href="http://www.sgplaw.com/">auto accident</a> and other <a href="http://www.sgplaw.com/">personal injury claims</a> in Arizona for more than 40 years.
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"A Walk Through the Negotiation Process"
There are no set rules when entering into the negotiation process with insurance companies. However, the negotiations almost always take the same basic format. Beyond the basic framework of how to negotiate, there are a lot of underhanded ambitions that come into play here. These ambitions are used to speed up the process of the other steps. Intimidation and distortion of the actual truth of the matter are the two most common things that come in to play. The first step in the negotiation process is known as your demand letter. You first write a short letter indicating your intent to file a claim. Then you proceed by writing a letter of demand. Once the letter has been written and sent you now officially have an open claim. That demand letter lays the foundation for all future negotiations. In it you will be making your first request for a specific amount of money. This amount of money should be higher than you would expect to be rewarded, but within reason. After your demand letter has been received and reviewed by the insurance adjuster, you will be contacted by phone or letter explaining why your claim won’t work. The adjuster will question the accusations of liability and try to de-emphasize their client’s liability. The adjuster will also try to turn the tables on you and put some of the blame on you, making you partially liable. Upon receiving your letter the adjuster will attempt to use any number of intimidation tactics. The adjuster will try to explain how their policies work and try to convince you that you will get nowhere by demanding so much from them. Just listen to them talk, when they are done it will be your turn. The next step in the negotiation process is when you will have to defend your demands and why you feel you are entitled to receive the amount requested. At this point (assuming you did a good job of showing that your demand is legitimate) the adjuster will offer you a settlement which, compared to your demand, will probably be a ridiculously low amount. Turn down their offer, but give in a little bit. Your demand was purposely too high, so now you’ll be able to agree with them a little and make a new offer. This “offer battle” may go back and fourth for a while until an amount can be agreed upon. In most cases the adjuster will eventually offer a suitable amount of money and you can accept it. If the insurance adjuster refuses to agree on a fair settlement amount you may have to file a lawsuit, which is the final step of your negotiation process. From there you’ll need a personal injury attorney to take over.Injury-Settlement-Guide.com teaches injured people how to protect their rights and obtain fair compensation for their damages.Learn more about <a href="http://www.Injury-Settlement-Guide.com/insurance-negotiations.html">Process of Insurance Negotiations</a> at this page on the free educational website: http://www.Injury-Settlement-Guide.com/insurance-negotiations.html
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