ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the parties to a bodily injury claim investigate and evaluate a claim. The separation of investigation and evaluation from negotiation is analytical and is to a considerable degree artificial. Problems experienced in negotiation will indicate the direction for investigation and will affect the evaluation of the claim. The first notice will usually identify the insured and the potential claimant or claimants, and will give some minimal information concerning the accident. The keystone of the standard investigation is the statement, obtained from the insured, the claimant and the witness, and focusing on the occurrence of the accident and the damage suffered. Another source of information utilized in investigation is official documents. The attorney's investigation takes place at a later date than the company's because of delay in retaining counsel. The evaluation of the claim proved to be one of the most difficult subjects to learn about in the course of the study.
