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The ClaimFairly Blog
Plain-English articles on car accident claims: diminished value, fault rules, settlement offers, attorney fees and demand letters, written and checked by James.
- SettlementsShould You Accept the First Settlement Offer? (Questions to Ask)Nine questions to ask before you accept an insurer's first offer, and how to counter without burning bridges.
- After a crashWhat to Do After a Car Accident: Claim ChecklistA calm, step by step checklist for the scene, the first week and the claim, so you protect your health and your money.
- SettlementsHow Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?A realistic timeline from the crash to the check, and what speeds things up or slows them down.
- Fault and state rulesAt-Fault vs No-Fault States: What Changes for Your ClaimWhich states are no-fault, what PIP pays, and when you can still sue for pain and suffering.
- Insurance claimsHow to Write a Car Accident Demand LetterWhat to include, what to leave out, how much to ask for, and a free generator that formats it for you.
- SettlementsMultiplier vs Per Diem: Two Ways to Value Pain and SufferingThe two common ways to put a number on pain, when each one fits, and how to defend your choice.
- Insurance claimsHow Insurance Adjusters Calculate a Settlement OfferWhat goes into an adjuster's offer, why the first number is low, and how to respond.
- Fault and state rulesComparative vs Contributory Negligence, ExplainedHow your state splits the blame decides how much you can recover. Here is each rule with real numbers.
- SettlementsHow Attorney Fees and Medical Liens Reduce Your SettlementWhy a $50,000 settlement can turn into $27,000 in your pocket, and what you can do about it.
- Diminished valueThe 17c Formula Explained (and Why It Undervalues Your Car)Where the insurer's 17c diminished value formula came from, how it works, and the three ways it shortchanges you.
- Diminished valueWhat Is Diminished Value and How to Claim ItYour repaired car is worth less than before the crash. Here is how a diminished value claim gets that money back.
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