A: After the insurance company has been notified about the claim, a file is established on you and your case. An insurance claims adjuster is assigned to your file by a claims manager or claims supervisor. The supervisor may assign different adjusters to your case as it progresses.

The insurance claims adjuster responsible for your file will maintain contact with your lawyer. The adjuster will also perform an independent investigation of your claim to ascertain the following:

a. Who is at fault in your case?

b. Whether or not you bear any fault for your own injuries. This is also referred to as comparative negligence or contributory negligence.

c. Potential witnesses in the case.

d. The location of the scene of the accident.

e. The contents of police reports, Department of Motor Vehicle reports, and any other investigative reports that have been filed in the case.

After the initial investigation, the claims adjuster will request medical reports and any other reports dealing with your injuries. The adjuster will also review documents about your time lost from work. Most importantly, the insurance claims adjuster will want to receive accurate records of your medical bills, prescription bills, hospital bills, therapy bills, and any other actual expenses incurred as a result of your injury. That is why it is very important for you to maintain an accurate account of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses which result from your injury.