Dealing with Progressive After an Accident
An auto accident can have devastating consequences. Having to worry about time missed from work, medical expenses, filing an insurance claim, and the ultimate financial impact of an accident only adds more stress to the situation. A lawyer can help you deal with Progressive after an accident so that you can focus on your recovery.
As is the case with other insurance companies, Progressive adheres to a typical process for handling accident claims. It is important to remember that Progressive is not trying to help you. In fact, they may be doing everything they can to avoid paying the compensation you deserve. Therefore, it is crucial you work with a skilled attorney who can go up against the insurance companies on your behalf.
How a Lawyer Proves Liability and Resulting Damages
When you are hurt in an accident and dealing with Progressive regarding a claim for compensation, they must first evaluate the liability of the accident. Claims adjusters are incentivized to settle claims for as little as possible, making it vital for you to have a lawyer who knows how insurance companies try to blame the injured person for the accident.
The insurance company may question whether its insured is liable and try to pin some of the blame on the injured party. As such, achieving a fair settlement requires the help of a skilled Virginia lawyer.
Damages
Besides proving liability, your lawyer must also show Progressive that you sustained actual damages as a result of the accident. The damages generally associated with an auto accident include general damages and special damages. General damages could include physical impairment, pain and suffering, and lowered quality of life.
Special damages, on the other hand, may include medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses sustained. Your lawyer would prove these damages to Progressive by sending them a demand letter outlining the compensation you are seeking and attaching appropriate documentation.
How Progressive Calculates Settlement Amounts
After processing your claim, a Progressive adjuster would contact you to discuss the potential of a settlement. Insurance companies like Progressive typically use computers to process and automate various data and factors to determine a settlement amount. The resulting settlement figure will most likely be woefully below the value of your damages.
What to Expect in a Settlement Offer
After you are in an auto accident, depending on the situation, the Progressive claims adjuster may offer you a quick, small settlement for your trouble shortly after the crash. The adjuster may also include an agreement to repair your damaged vehicle and cover your medical expenses for 30 days immediately following the crash, along with a small sum for other damages. These settlement offers are generally in the company’s best interests, rather than yours.
Accepting an offer of settlement and signing a release would mean you would be barred from filing another claim against Progressive’s insured. The best option for you is to speak to an attorney before speaking with an insurance company. An attorney will usually advise you to reject a swift settlement offer. Estimating the value of your claim requires your lawyer calculate all of your bills, expenses, and lost income. An attorney can guide you through the process to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
How an Attorney Could Assist in Dealing with Progressive After a Collision
A qualified attorney could advocate zealously on your behalf to help you build the strongest possible claim. Trust in the Car Crash Experts at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers to help you navigate dealing with insurance companies.
Our team of top-rated attorneys collectively boasts an impressive 128 years of legal experience, during which we’ve learned common tactics employed by insurance companies and how to best negotiate with them. Our attorneys have had an exceptional winning streak that has secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients, including Virginia’s largest reported car accident recovery of $6.5 million in 2020.
With a dedication to client satisfaction, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers sets the standard for exceptional customer service and unwavering commitment to representing the injured, never the insurance companies. Contact us today, and we’ll help you get the compensation you deserve.
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