Auto insurance in Connecticut is used to help owners of motor vehicles protect themselves, whether they cause an accident or are the victim of a vehicle collision, crash, or wreck. After an auto accident and when it is

safe to do so, the owners or drivers of each vehicle must share their auto insurance information. Next, the parties inform their respective auto insurers of the vehicle collision, crash, or wreck. 

In straightforward cases where there's property damage but minimal (if any) bodily harm, a settlement offer is made and accepted. If anyone suffers any bodily injury at all, though, it's important to keep in mind that once you accept a settlement offer and receive the payout, you cannot return to the auto insurance company with an update on your recovery and request further compensation.

At a fundamental level, car insurance is an agreement between a for-profit insurance company and the policyholder(s). Policyholders may be an individual, a group of individuals of a particular class (e.g., a family), occupants of a vehicle, or a company. 

When an insurance policy is taken out, the policyholder makes regular payments, known as premiums, to the insurer. In return, the insurance company agrees to cover the costs of damages associated with an accident, but only agrees to pay in accordance with the limits established by the insurance policy. 

An insurance policy can include first-party insurance, which covers property damage or bodily injury suffered by the person(s) named on the policy. It also includes third-party insurance, which is insurance purchased by a person or company to protect them against liability for property damage or bodily harm they (or someone on their behalf) cause. 

Insurance Adjusters and the Personal Injury Claims Process

If you are in a vehicle collision, crash, or wreck, one of the first steps you take after the accident is to contact your insurance company. The company will send an insurance adjuster to investigate the claim, decide whether it has merit, and determine how much to pay.

What many drivers do not understand about the claims process is that the insurance company is a for-profit entity with a vested interest in keeping its costs low. One of their largest expenses is settlement payouts. By underpaying or avoiding claims, insurance companies increase their profits.

It's irrelevant whether you file a first-party or third-party claim because the insurance company prioritizes profits. Even if you are their customer, your needs are secondary to the company's mission.

Many insurance companies also employ and train claims adjusters and attorneys to be aggressive. It is not uncommon for them to use manipulation or intimidation to reduce or avoid a settlement.  

Alternative to Self-Represented Settlements in Connecticut Personal Injury Claims

Drivers who have filed a claim with their insurance provider will likely get a settlement offer by the insurance company. This settlement offer may be far less than what the injured party needs to recover in order to be made whole or the closest thing to it. The terms of the offer, however, are designed to make it seem like the driver is actually getting a good deal.

Many injured parties take the settlement offer because they are desperate and need the money immediately. Many of them only realize months, and sometimes years, later how little they received in light of the true extent and nature of their injuries.

If you have been injured in a vehicle collision, crash, or wreck, you do not have to accept the settlement offer.

You can hire a lawyer who will handle the claim, and if the facts warrant it, file a personal injury lawsuit. 

A personal injury claim handled by an experienced injury attorney will have the experience and "tools" to negotiate a fairer settlement or, if that fails, prepare your case for trial to get you the best possible outcome. 

I understand that people in vehicle collision, crash, or wrecks have a lot to deal with and it takes a toll on a person and their family. It is a hassle to deal with insurance companies, especially when the auto insurance adjusters are intimidating.

When I represent a client I do all the work for them so they can focus on their recovery and not worry about if they are going to get the compensation they deserve.

You can contact me at 203.339.5991 to schedule a free initial consultation in person, by phone, or via Zoom videoconference and learn more about how he can help you.