Each personal injury claim varies depending on the incident’s circumstances and facts. Victims in a personal injury lawsuit in St. Louis can secure compensation for emotional trauma, medical expenses, and other damages. Below is a list of steps for pursuing a personal injury claim with St. Louis, Missouri, insurance firms.
- Information Gathering
The first thing that victims of an accident need to do is gather the information required for their claim. Most importantly, a victim must obtain the insurance information of the at-fault driver either from the accident report or from the driver who causes the accident. You should also collect other details regarding the accident, including the date, location, parties involved, time, and injuries sustained. Hire an attorney from a reliable St. Louis personal injury law firm to file a claim on your behalf to secure a fair compensation amount.
- Filing the Personal Injury Claim
Victims who sustain personal injuries in St. Louis must contact the at-fault party’s insurance company following an accident. Most firms limit the time you should contact them after an accident to within 24 hours following the crash. The purpose of filing a claim is to notify the insurance company of your injuries and the amount you seek for the damages. The insurance firm sends a Reservation of Rights (ROR) letter acknowledging that your claim is received and that the accident is being investigated.
- Outlining Your Demand for Compensation
A Reservation of Rights from the insurance adjuster enables the victim to submit a letter demanding the settlement amount. A demand letter helps you wait until you recover the overall amount and identifies the losses and costs associated with your accident. With the help of a reliable personal injury attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, you can explain what happened and present the required evidence that supports your argument. Victims should provide details regarding costs related to rehabilitation, medical care, lost wages, disability, and property damage to secure a fair compensation amount.
- Reviewing the Insurance Company’s Initial Settlement Offer
The at-fault party’s insurance company will respond to your letter of demand depending on the statute of limitations present in the state. Most insurance firms blame the delays on the adjuster who’s tasked with investigating the accident and claim. Victims should not feel pressurized to accept the initial offer from the insurance company as it results in underpayment most of the time.
- Making a Counteroffer
Victims have the right to reject the initial settlement offer from the insurance company and instead propose a counteroffer of their own. Most victims double down by demanding the initial amount they requested, while some meet with the insurance company halfway. Showing signs of open negotiation is crucial and typically works best in your favor. Your counteroffer must emphasize the severity of the injuries and the amount of suffering experienced due to the mistakes of the at-fault party. It would be best to clarify that you’re serious about your demands regarding a meaningful and fair settlement offer.
- Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
The insurance company responded to the counteroffer to minimize the possibility of going to court. This doesn’t happen often, but they may yield to your claims if they suspect the victim may succeed in the litigation process. The insurance company often extends a counteroffer or rejects your proposal. Most insurance companies in St. Louis, Missouri, extend a final offer that may be below the fair amount. If this happens, you can hire a reliable attorney to assist you in filing a solid personal injury lawsuit.
Victims who sustain injuries due to another party’s mistakes should seek compensation from the at-fault person’s insurance company. Navigating an insurance claim is hard at times, but you can be successful if you remain patient, strong, and motivated. Hire a seasoned personal injury attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, to help push your claim for fair compensation.
