When filing a Hartford auto insurance claim, the claim will be divided into two different claims, one for personal property damage and one for personal injury. Personal injury claims are often more tedious and complicated than personal property claims because such elements as loss of income, reduced earning ability and mental anguish factor into personal injury claims. If a claim is insufficient or unfair, renegotiations can take place between the policyholder and his/her attorney and the Hartford insurance adjuster.
The Claims Process
When the claim form is completed, the Hartford insurance adjuster will evaluate the claim. All aspects of that claim will be given a range of possible compensation by the adjuster, with the recommended compensation usually being in the lower end of the range of possible compensation.
It is important to note whether the state where the accident occurred is a “no-fault insurance” state or not. A no-fault insurance state requires a victim’s insurance company to provide compensation for the accident. Other states require fault or negligence to be determined before compensation can be awarded, and this will greatly affect the initial compensation that is offered by Hartford.
Renegotiating an Insufficient or Unfair Claim
When a claim is insufficient or unfair, sending a demand letter directly to Hartford auto insurance will result in the insurance adjuster reviewing the letter and making a new offer. The adjuster can make the new offer by phone or in person; in-person meetings are usually more successful than phone conversations.
Renegotiations are often complicated because of the complexity of insurance policies and varying state regulations. In addition, it is hard to place an exact value on personal injury claims, especially those that include prolonged medical costs. This is why mental health specialists and other specialists are often involved in these claims, as only they can provide specific information about the trauma that a person is going through so that a fair value amount for the pain, suffering and treatment can be negotiated. All cases are unique due to the unique, individual circumstances of each case and the specific Hartford insurance adjuster you are working with.
It’s important to treat the adjuster with respect. After all, the adjuster has the power to affect the compensation for the disputed claim, usually in the range of $5,000-$10,000, and even sometimes as high as $20,000.
Obtaining Legal Help
Negotiating a fair settlement for your Hartford auto insurance claim is not an easy matter. An established and experienced specialized insurance attorney in the state where the accident occurred will know the specific state laws that apply to your case and be able to present the strongest possible case to gain the maximum and fairest amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.
