How Small Changes Can Pay Off Big For You
When this pandemic passes, I think we’ll be able to look back at it and separate its impact into “before,” “during,” and “after.” The “before” was the old way of doing things — what we still think of as “normal” — and right now we’re solidly in the “during” zone, figuring out new ways to cope with the limitations, shutdowns, and complications brought on by the virus. It’s a whole new world out there, and we’re all learning how to navigate it together!
Thankfully, one thing that hasn’t changed too much is the personal injury claims process. Even now, claims continue to go forward. Our team is continuing to work with insurance companies and adjusters to process, negotiate, and resolve claims for clients. At this point, we’ve fully adjusted to “during” and found numerous ways to ensure our clients’ claims stay top of mind for adjusters. That said, we know making those shifts is a lot more difficult if you’re not a lawyer. If you were in the middle of filing a personal injury claim when all of this started or if you started the process during the pandemic, here are a few of the tips I’ve picked up that might help you keep your claim at the top of your adjuster’s priority list.
Anticipate Your Adjuster’s Needs
Odds are good that your adjuster feels like a fish out of water right now, just like you. They’re probably working from home, communicating differently, and trying to adjust to new processes and procedures. With that in mind, try to anticipate their needs and act accordingly. Stay organized and gather all of the information about your claim, including your medical records, police report, bills, photos, videos, and other documents, together in one place. Then, send it over to them all at once. They’re probably inundated with emails, so sending everything together will make it easier for them to find your information and work on your claim. If you’re stumped on next steps, just ask, “Is there anything else I can do to help you evaluate my claim?”
Put High-tech Tools to Work
Speaking of sending over documents, videos, and photographs, this is a great time to put technology to work for you. Thanks to free online tools like Dropbox (Dropbox.com), you can store large files in a single digital location for your adjuster to access. Communication platforms like Zoom (Zoom.us) and FaceTime (an app in the Apple App Store) will let you have a face-to-face conversation, and you can even scan documents with your iPhone or iPad (check Support.Apple.com to learn how) and sign them electronically with DocuSign (DocuSign.com). All of these high-tech steps can help streamline your claims process, making it easier, faster, and safer for you and your adjuster.
Stay in Constant Contact
The best way to keep your adjuster from putting your claim on the back burner is to stay in touch with them. When you send something to your adjuster, always follow up with them to make sure they received it, then follow up again later on if you don’t get a response. You don’t want to flood their inbox or voicemail, but you do want to make sure you’re in regular touch so your claim stays top of mind. Be patient and persistent.
Extend Grace and Patience
Remember that while we can’t control this virus, there are things we can control, including our communication, our mindset, and how we treat others. We’re all stressed and stretched thin right now, so it’s vital that you extend grace and patience to your adjuster. Recognizing the way they’re processing and receiving information is different right now, and they’re likely doing the best they can. Getting frustrated and leveling accusations won’t do anything to help your claim.
Here at the Injury and Disability Law Center, we’re already putting these strategies to work for our clients. If you have any questions about how to best handle your claim or need help with the process, we’re here for you. Together, we can all get through “during” and reach the brand-new world of “after.”
