So I was just in a car accident...now what?
It can be very confusing to know what your next steps should be after an auto accident. The overwhelming feelings you may have can be put at ease if you contact a lawyer with our office. The initial consultation is always free. Additionally, Daniel Stark offers you the no fee guarantee! That means we work for free unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the claims process look like?
The process is handled by you and your Daniel Stark Team together in four different phases:
Treating Phase:
The evidence regarding your injuries and pain and suffering will be contained within your medical records. This phase of your case, more than any other, determines the final value of your claim. Insurance companies evaluate the extent of your damages largely on the basis of information contained in your medical records. Conversely, insurance companies attempt to reduce the value of your claim by pointing out inconsistencies in your medical care. Therefore, it is extremely important that you do not allow any gaps to occur within your treatment and that you follow your doctors’ advice. Failure to do so will cause the value of your case to suffer!
Medical Collection Phase:
In order to expedite your claim, your team will be collecting medical and billing records from your multiple medical providers throughout the course of your treatment. Therefore, when you have completed your medical treatment with a particular provider, please notify your case manager so we may request your medical records from that medical provider. Any remaining records will be collected upon your final conclusion of medical treatment. At the completion of all of your medical treatment, please contact our office so that we may begin to collect all the necessary evidence and prepare your claim for settlement. At Daniel Stark, we actually own a records collection company that works for other lawyers nationwide. So, we know how to get medical records fast! This reduces the amount of time it takes to get your claim settled and for you to get your life back to normal.
Demand Phase:
Once all of the medical and other evidence is collected, we will prepare a demand packet that will include all evidence which supports your claim. This packet will include evidence such as property damage and bodily injury photographs, accident reports, witness statements, medical and billing records and lost wages. Once the demand is complete, you will enter the Settlement Phase of your claim.
Settlement Phase:
During the settlement phase of your claim, the attorney will be using their years of experience and skills to negotiate a fair settlement for your injury claim with the adverse insurance companies. Our goal during this phase of the claim is to pressure the insurance company with the various strengths of your claim to force them to offer you the fair settlement which you deserve. No two claims are the same. The value of your claim will depend on factors such as the extent and severity of the damage to the vehicles involved, the extent and severity of the injuries, the extent of the medical treatment required and the economic damages incurred (ie: medical bills and lost wages). Once we receive an initial offer on your claim, your attorney will contact you to discuss the negotiations. Your attorney will give you an honest assessment of the value of your claim and discuss all available options, including litigation if necessary.
At the end of the Settlement Phase, if we are unable to reach amicable settlement with the adverse carrier/defendant, you will receive additional information regarding your option to file a lawsuit.
Who will be handling my case?
When you Demand Daniel Stark, you get a Team of experienced professionals committed to getting you money for your injuries. You will have an attorney, claims manager, investigator and researcher working for you. Your team will be committed to keeping you informed by contacting you at least every fifteen (15) days, whether by email, mail, text or phone. Although you will be contacted regularly, please feel welcome to call our firm at anytime should you need an update on the status of your case.
How long will the process take?
We understand you are busy juggling careers, family and the daily pressures of life. In fact, that is why we will send someone to you if you cannot come to our office for advice following your accident.
The amount of time it will take to process your claim definitely depends on many factors, such as the extent of your injuries and the length of your medical treatment. However, as soon as you hire Daniel Stark, we get started immediately. Our technology and innovative team now handle cases 33% faster than we did just two years ago. This rapid response is our commitment to you to provide the best technology available, thorough team members working on your case, and persistence with the insurance companies. We know you want to get your life back to normal and with our no fee guarantee, we don't get paid until you do.
Why are you holding off on calling a lawyer?
With every passing day, there are certain things that can cause a reduction in the value of your case without the proper advice. Let an experienced team here at Daniel Stark take the stress and pressure off of you so you can focus on your family and on getting better!
