Maximum Recovery Without Litigation

Understanding the Power of Pre-Suit Demands

Pre-suit demands are a foundational step in personal injury law, especially in cases involving auto accidents. This formal demand is made to insurance companies on behalf of the client to seek fair compensation for damages without filing a lawsuit. A well-prepared pre-suit demand can often expedite case resolution, resulting in a settlement and avoiding the lengthy and costly litigation process.

As Chris Shakib put it during this episode, "The benefit of doing a pre-suit demand, sending a letter to the insurance company, trying to settle the case, is that it's so much quicker than any other thing that we do." Many cases, particularly auto accidents, can be resolved within 60 to 90 days through a pre-suit demand—much faster than traditional litigation, which can take months or even years.

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Episode 6: You've Finished Treating. Now How Do We Help You Get Paid?

In this episode of Not Another TV Lawyer, hosts Chris Shakib and Jessica Hall from Terrell Hogan Law Firm explain the intricacies of pre-suit demands. They discuss the process, benefits, and importance of effective pre-suit demands in auto accident cases, aiming to maximize client recovery before litigation. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the significance of constant communication with clients and the strategic use of case management software to ensure comprehensive and efficient handling of cases.

Video time-stamps are available at the end of this blog in the Episode Notes.

The Importance of Client-Lawyer Communication in Pre-Suit Demands After a Car Accident

When someone is involved in a car accident, they often face a complex process in pursuing compensation, especially if there are injuries or disputes over fault. Navigating this process effectively requires the injured party to work closely with a law firm that understands the legal, financial, and personal stakes involved. Communication between the client and the law firm becomes especially critical when preparing a pre-suit demand—an essential step in seeking fair compensation without immediately filing a lawsuit.

In auto accident cases, liability is often clear, making insurance companies more amenable to settling. A thorough and compelling pre-suit demand helps clients “walk away with the largest percentage of the total recovery,” which is particularly valuable for clients facing high medical bills and other expenses.

In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of open, thorough communication between the lawyer and the client and their medical providers in developing and delivering successful pre-suit demands.

Crafting an Effective Pre-Suit Demand

Effective client-lawyer communication ensures that a pre-suit demand is not only comprehensive but also compelling. For a law firm like Terrell Hogan to negotiate a fair settlement, they need to thoroughly understand the client's perspective, medical needs, and financial losses. Every detail, from the client's pain levels and treatment history to personal accounts of how the injury affects daily life, helps in building a case. Good communication serves to:

1. Clarify Expectations: Clients may not fully understand what to expect in terms of timeline, compensation, or the complexity of their case. Regular communication ensures they have a realistic view of the process and potential outcomes.

2. Ensure Accurate Documentation: Any gaps in medical records, witness statements, or details of the accident can weaken a case. A lawyer relies on open communication with their client to identify all possible sources of evidence and document every aspect of the incident and its impact.

3. Build Trust and Reduce Stress: The aftermath of an accident can be stressful and overwhelming. When clients feel informed and heard by their attorneys, they are more likely to have confidence in the legal process and focus on recovery.

4. Strengthen Negotiation Position: A well-documented case presents a stronger argument to insurance companies and opposing parties. Communication helps ensure that the lawyer has everything they need to justify the compensation demand and advocate effectively.

Jessica Hall shared her approach to crafting comprehensive pre-suit demands on the podcast. "I want to tell the story. I want the story to be accurate. I want to paint the picture of how this crash has affected our client," she states. This approach involves gathering comprehensive medical records, injury and property damage photos, and compiling every relevant detail to create a full picture of the client’s experiences and losses.

Chris emphasizes that effective demands require "a lot of communication back and forth with the client." Jessica echoes this, noting that frequent client interaction not only ensures the team is informed of any treatment changes or new developments, it helps them make sure they are gathering all the necessary documentation and support to meet the requirements used by insurance adjusters to assess the demands. The team at Terrell Hogan knows that if their demand letter can demonstrate to the insurance company the human aspects of the situation, they are more likely to help their client maximize their recovery in the most effective and efficient manner possible.

Importance of Building Relationships

While crafting the pre-suit demand, a personal injury law firm can also play a crucial role in negotiating medical bills, which is especially valuable for clients facing high costs after an accident. By leveraging their experience, negotiation skills and relationships with healthcare providers, attorneys can often negotiate reduced charges or set up manageable payment plans.

Jessica emphasizes the value they put on building and maintaining strong relationships with medical providers and other experts and professionals in the area. This not only helps them ensure accurate billing and documentation for the pre-suit demand, but also puts them into a solid position to negotiate and reduce medical bills for their clients. As she explains, her firm builds trust and maintains a reliable reputation with providers so that they know they're going to get paid from a settlement, which helps foster cooperation.

Conclusion

Pre-suit demands are a powerful tool for securing efficient and fair client recovery. By telling a client’s story fully and accurately, carefully documenting every relevant detail, negotiating down medical bills, and maintaining consistent communication, attorneys can achieve optimal results without the delays and costs of litigation.

If you're involved in an auto accident and need assistance navigating the complexities of personal injury law, don’t hesitate to contact Terrell Hogan Law. They’re here to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Episode Notes:

Tune in to gain insights into their expert approach to personal injury law and understand why pre-suit demands are crucial for quick and favorable settlements.

00:00 Introduction to Not Another TV Lawyer

00:33 Understanding Pre-Suit Demands

02:11 The Process of Drafting a Demand Letter

05:39 Benefits of Pre-Suit Demands

06:58 Maximizing Client Recovery

11:18 Importance of Client Communication

15:57 Case Management and Technology

28:44 Conclusion and Contact Information