After your injury: Settle your claim the right way When you’ve been hurt in an accident, the prospect of dealing with insurance companies and lawyers can feel daunting. But armed with the right strategy, you can handle a claim yourself—and save thousands of dollars in the process.
How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim guides you through the insurance claim process, step by step. After almost any kind of accident, you’ll learn how to:
figure out what your claim is worth
gather the right evidence such as medical records and accident reports
prepare an effective demand letter
counter insurance company delay and other common tactics
negotiate your way to a full and fair settlement, and
stay on top of your case if you hire a lawyer.
This completely updated edition How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim includes the latest state-by-state lawsuit filing deadlines and small claims court limits.
Joseph Matthews has been an attorney since 1971, and from 1975 to 1977 taught at the law school of the University of California, Berkeley. He has for many years been involved in matters relating to seniors, and is the author of Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions and Long Term Care: How to Plan & Play for It, as well as How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim.
Table of Contents
Introduction Your Personal Injury Companion 1. Handling Your Personal Injury Claim 2. Whose Fault Is It? How Legal Responsibility Is Determined 3. Initial Steps in Settling Your Claim 4. Understanding Insurance Coverage 5. How Much Is Your Claim for Injuries Worth? 6. Processing Your Claim 7. Property Damage Claims 8. Negotiating a Settlement 9. Finalizing Your Settlement 10. The Last Resorts: Lawyers, Arbitration, and Courts 11. Working With a Lawyer Appendix Index
