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Process Of Settling A Car Accident Case

Posted by Hopkins Law Firm | Jul 19, 2022 | 0 Comments

After a car accident, the last thing you want to deal with is the at-fault party's insurance company. The questions can be targeted and designed to put some or all of the blame on you. Before you speak with the insurance company yourself, schedule a consultation with a Pawleys Island car accident lawyer.  The Hopkins Law Firm isn't afraid to take your car collision case to trial, but simply allowing us to represent you often pushes the insurance company to take action outside of court.

You deserve to be fully compensated for damages to your vehicle, injuries you or other family members have incurred, medical bills, lost wages and more. In many cases, the at-fault party's insurance company wants you to settle for a minimal amount before you contact an experienced car accident attorney. For many of the clients represented by the Hopkins Law Firm, there was never a need to go to trial. The insurance company wanted to settle the case outside court. It's our job to make sure you understand all of your options and how the process will work when you allow us to help guide you through the legalities of a car accident.

The Demand Letter

The Hopkins Law Firm has your best interest in mind. When we reach out to the at-fault party's insurance company, we want the process to move swiftly for you and your family. We'll lay out the circumstances of the accident, your necessary medical treatment, and set the state for negotiations to begin immediately. The demand letter will specify your costs related to medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. In some cases, a monetary amount is set out in the letter, but each case is unique, so a consultation will reveal the best approach for your case.

Negotiating Your Case

Our office will make contact with the insurance company once the letter is received. The insurer will review all documents related to the accident and case before making an initial offer. The most important piece to our negotiations is you. As one of the most trusted law firms in Pawleys Island, Hopkins Law Firm takes your care seriously. No offer from an insurance company will ever be accepted until you've given your approval. In many cases, the initial offer is an unacceptable lowball offer that we'll refrain from accepting.

With your permission, we will prepare a written response to the insurer's offer to decline the initial amount. We'll explain in detail why we're refusing the offer. For example, the initial offer may not cover your medical expenses and loss of wages. We'll reiterate the facts first presented in our demand letter and move forward with our desired compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Mediation

In some cases, mediation is needed to bring you and your attorneys to the table with the insurer. The mediator is a neutral party that offers a fresh perspective on the case to help bridge the gap between your desired amount and the insurer's offer.

Accepting The Offer

If the insurer makes an offer that is acceptable to you, whether through negotiations or mediation, we'll craft a written response to accept the amount. It's crucial that you double check that accepted amount will cover all medical bills, vehicle damage, future medical care, and other associated expenses. A release form is usually demanded by the insurer which states you will not pursue any further monetary damages against the company in connection with the accident. The insurer typically processes the check and submits it to the attorney's office. Your attorney will distribute your awarded amount to you directly. 

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Principled. Practical. Personal.

When you have to go to court, you want to know your lawyer will fight for you so you get the best possible outcome. Here at Hopkins Law Firm, our team of personal injury, family law, and criminal defense lawyers has the experience and insights needed to help you present your best case. Our team has helped many clients to protect their future. With locations in Charleston, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach, we can make sure you get the counsel you need anywhere in South Carolina.

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