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What Is a Letter of Representation?

Posted on November 30, 2021 in

When you are filing an insurance claim, you may want to hire a lawyer to represent your case. During this process, your attorney will draft a legal notice called the Letter of Representation and send it to the insurance company. This document informs the insurance carrier that your lawyer will take over your claim and requests valuable information to support your case.

Understanding the Letter of Representation

A letter of representation serves as the first point of communication between the insurance carrier and your personal injury lawyer. In this letter, the attorney has the opportunity to introduce himself or herself, explain that you have obtained legal representation, and make it clear that any communication from the company should be with the attorney rather than you.

Additionally, your attorney will use the letter of representation to confirm coverage for the accident and request important information, such as a copy of the relevant insurance policy. Your lawyer will also provide his or her contact information for the insurance claims adjuster.

The purpose of the letter of representation is to signal to the insurance company that you have obtained a lawyer and are serious about obtaining a settlement. Once your lawyer sends the letter, you do not need to correspond with the claims adjuster. Your attorney will handle all aspects of your claim on your behalf.

If an insurance adjuster does contact you after the letter of representation is sent, simply state that he or she will need to speak with your attorney. Keep your interaction brief and do not answer any questions. Afterwards, contact your attorney and inform him or her that the adjuster contacted you.

Do You Need an Attorney for an Insurance Claim?

When you are involved in an accident, it can be easy to wonder whether you should hire a lawyer. You may believe that the incident was straightforward and that you shouldn’t face any issues while recovering compensation. However, hiring a lawyer can help protect your best interests during this process.

An insurance company’s goal is to protect its bottom line and paying a maximum settlement to each and every claimant does not help achieve this goal. As a result, these companies often search for ways to minimize a potential award.

On the other hand, a lawyer’s job is to protect your interests and help you recover the compensation you deserve. An attorney can provide several benefits to an insurance claim, including the following:

  • Your attorney can help you navigate the complex claims process and prepare you for each step of your claim.
  • A lawyer can evaluate all potential avenues to compensation and accurately calculate an estimated settlement, helping you avoid an insufficient offer from the insurance carrier.
  • During your case, you may encounter bad faith tactics from the insurance company. Your attorney can identify instances of bad faith and take action to protect your claim.
  • You may need to engage in negotiations with the insurance adjuster. Your lawyer will have the skills to handle these discussions and advocate aggressively for your best interests.

After your accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible and save all relevant evidence. Once you receive treatment, do not speak with the insurance company. Instead, contact a Chicago accident attorney to discuss your case and strategize your next steps.