Car Accident Settlement Process in Massachusetts and Connecticut

This is a general guide. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an accident, get information specific to your case. Contact us for a free consultation. 

• Step 1. Contact a Lawyer Immediately :Before speaking to insurance companies, contact a car accident lawyer. Once a crash is reported, adjusters start building a defense — often before you’ve even left the hospital. Having Raipher on your side ensures no mistake, delay, or offhand comment weakens your claim. We take over communication and start protecting your case from day one.
• Step 2. Investigate and Preserve Evidence: A strong settlement depends on strong evidence. Police reports, witness statements, medical records, crash photos, and surveillance footage all help prove fault and damages. When necessary, Raipher’s legal team secures black-box data, phone records, or expert reconstruction to show exactly how the crash occurred. Preserving this evidence early keeps insurers from twisting the facts later.
• Step 3. Determine Liability and Identify All Coverage: Liability in car accidents isn’t always simple. Multiple drivers, employers, vehicle owners, or even municipalities may share fault. In some cases, your own underinsured motorist coverage applies if the at-fault driver’s policy isn’t enough. Raipher’s lawyers identify every responsible party and every potential source of compensation, expanding the recovery path beyond what’s immediately visible.
• Step 4. Open the Insurance Claim: With representation secured, your lawyer files claims with all relevant insurers. In Massachusetts, this includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), while in Connecticut, claims are filed directly against the at-fault driver’s carrier. Filing promptly preserves your rights and prevents coverage disputes later. A properly documented claim sets the foundation for everything that follows.
• Step 5: Document and Calculate Damages: Compensation includes more than medical bills and car repairs. It covers lost income, future treatment, reduced earning potential, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. For families who lost loved ones, damages can include funeral costs and loss of companionship. Our attorneys work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your claim, not the limited version insurers prefer.
• Step 6: Submit a Formal Demand: Once evidence and damages are complete, your lawyer sends a demand package to the insurer. This letter explains liability, details the injuries, and specifies the amount sought for settlement. It signals that your case is fully prepared for litigation if necessary. A strong demand — built on facts and backed by experts — sets the stage for meaningful negotiation.
• Step 7: Negotiate the Settlement: Negotiation is where experience matters most. Insurance companies start with low offers, hoping you’ll settle out of frustration. Raipher’s lawyers push back with evidence, expert opinions, and a trial-ready strategy. Our preparation and reputation apply pressure that compels insurers to take your claim seriously — and pay fair value before trial becomes inevitable.
• Step 8: Mediation or Litigation if Necessary: If negotiations stall, mediation can help both sides reach agreement. A neutral mediator facilitates discussion, often resolving disputes without trial. But if the insurer still refuses a fair offer, filing a lawsuit keeps the case moving and maintains pressure. Even once litigation begins, most cases settle once they see Raipher is prepared to win in court.
• Step 9: Finalize the Settlement and Collect Compensation: After an agreement is reached, your lawyer reviews the terms to ensure they protect your rights. Medical liens and legal costs are resolved, and payment typically arrives within a few weeks. Raipher’s team handles the details so you can focus on recovery while we make sure your compensation reflects everything you’ve endured.