Think of it like this. You can probably change the oil in your car, but not the transmission. If you have been in a car wreck and you have less than $1000 in medical bills you might not need a lawyer to handle your personal injury case. Here is what to do.
First, find out the name, address, number and fax number of the adjuster who has been assigned to your claim. You will need to find out from them your claim number. Make sure any letters you send the adjuster has your name, the date of the accident and the claim number on it.
Second, take pictures of the damage to your car. Get estimates of what it will take to repair your car. Send them to the adjuster. Ask them for a rental car while yours is in the shop. Ask to have the renatal car charge billed directly to the insurance company. They don't have to automatically pay your rental car bill but many insurance comapnies will do it. Call the adjuster to find out if they want to send someone to inspect your car and do a property damage estimate. Afterwards, call the adjuster to see if their estimate is close to yours. Once the car is fixed make sure all the repairs were done properly and that the car is just how you want.
Third, order a copy of the police report. Usually takes 7-10 days after the wreck before it its ready. When you get it send a copy to the adjuster. If there were any eye-witnesses to the wreck that help you send their name and contact information to the adjuster. It might be a good idea to call them to see if they will give a statement to the insurance adjuster to prove the other person was at fault and not you.
Fourth, order copies of your medical records and medical bills. Only do this when you have finished treatment. If you were seen in an emergency room, order those records and bills soonafter you have left the ER. The doctor or hospital will charge you to get copies of your records and bills. Send copies of each to the adjuster.
Fifth, if you lost time from your job get your employer to write a note that shows the amount of time your missed from work and the total value of that time. Send a copy of this note to the adjuster.
Sixth, you will need to send a letter to the adjuster telling them what amount of money will will accept to settle your case. Be realistic on the value of your case. The will usually respond with a very low offer. Don't take the first offer. Come down a little from your original demand to see if they will come up from their original offer. This may take several moves of your part and theirs before you get to a figure that everyone can agree with.
Seventh, if you had health insurance and they paid some of your medical bills they might be entitled to get their money back from you out of any settlement you made with the other person's insurance company. Watch out! You will need to negotiate with them and pay them back. Generally you can get them to accept less than what they fully paid. Shoot for a 30-50% reduction and get them to agree, in writing to the reduction.
If you have serious injuries it is usually best to hire a lawyer. Things get complex very fast and an experienced personal injury lawyer can generally get you more money for your case than you can get yourself.
If you have any questions, please call a lawyer for advice.
