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Perseverance, Timing Key to Mediation of Accident Claims
NEW ORLEANS — While great trials may provide drama and public fascination, mediation of accident claims — a process that avoids that drama — is daily life for trucking companies and other transportation providers. Those involved with the system said mediation takes special skills and techniques.
Lawyers and insurance specialists speaking here at an American Bar Association conference March 8 said that timing, perseverance and perception are perhaps the most important qualities to possess when trying to reach a mutually agreeable settlement with a plaintiff.Peter Carello, claims supervisor for the transportation division of RLI Insurance Co., described his approach as “not about settling a claim. It’s about settling a claim at an appropriate level.” Toward that end, Carello said he has learned never to skip the opening session of the process.For the full story, see the March 26 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.