Insurance Claims

What To Do Following A Collision

Call law enforcement immediately.
Obtain information on all vehicles, drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Do not guess severity of injuries. Immediately seek medical treatment.
Photograph scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
Do not assume insurance companies have your best interests in mind.
Notify your insurance company.
Do not provide statements to their insurance company.
Obtain your own vehicle estimates.
Pursue injury claims separately from vehicle damage claims.
Have an experienced attorney review any documents before signing away your rights.

Call an accomplished and dedicated injury attorney who have helped thousands with their insurance claims. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

1.		I am thinking about negotiating my claim on my own. How do I know if the insurance adjuster’s offer will be fair and reasonable? You don’t. Remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company and is paid to negotiate and settle your claim for the lowest amount of money. A P.L.C. Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates only work for you because they only represent injured persons, not insurance companies! A P.L.C. Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates will know the real value of your claim.

2.		I have received medical information releases from the insurance company adjuster. Should I sign them? No. An unrestricted release for medical records should only be signed under limited circumstances. A P.L.C. Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates can evaluate what you have been asked to sign and revoke the signed releases that may jeopardize your case.

3.		Why does the insurance adjuster recommend I not hire an attorney? Because insurance settlements handled without an attorney are usually significantly lower. Many people make the mistake of settling their claim a “do-it-yourself” project to try and save money. But what you do not know is most likely to cost you.

4.		My medical bills are mounting and my good credit is being jeopardized. What can I do to stop possible lawsuits and judgments? Many times A P.L.C. Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates can obtain payment of these bills before settlement, otherwise, A P.L.C Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates can negotiate with creditors and attempt in making arrangements to stop collection or pay your bills directly from the settlement.

5.		Can the insurance adjuster limit the medical treatment I receive? I don’t have a family doctor, and I may need specialized medical treatment. Within certain restrictions, the insurance company is legally obligated to compensate you for reasonable medical treatment with the best medical care available. If needed, A P.L.C Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates can assist you in finding appropriate medical care.

6.		I was injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. My policy provides for underinsured and uninsured coverage, but I am confused about what claims are actually covered. Because of the confusing nature of uninsured and underinsured coverage, few people understand what is available under their policies. An experienced attorney can advise you on what you can claim under your specific policy.

7.		If I hire an attorney, will my case require a jury trial? Not usually. A P.L.C. Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates can generally settle your case without lawsuit and trial.

8.		I didn’t cause the accident, but because of it I have suffered serious painful injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Is it reasonable for me to expect significant compensation for what I am going through? Because of their sense of fair play, most accident victims don’t realize that, in addition to payment for medical bills, lost wages and car repairs, the insurance companies make available significant compensation for “pain and suffering” when you are assisted by an injury lawyer.

Does the attorney represent the insurance company?

Many attorneys represent insurance companies routinely and may not be the attorneys you want assisting you in your claim against them. In fact, South Dakota Rules of Professional Responsibility governing lawyers prohibit a lawyer from representing you in a claim versus an insurance company that they are presently representing. Click the button below for a list of law firms in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the insurance companies they represent.

We here at Moore & Kandaras/Bob Moore and Associates pride ourselves in only representing the interests of those who have been injured. Thus, if you have been injured, you can be assured our firm does not represent the insurance company against which you have a claim.