Dealing With the Car Insurance Company in California

Even if the other driver was clearly negligent, you still need to notify your own insurance company that you were involved in a crash. If you don’t, it could put your claim for compensation at risk, especially if you are found to be partially responsible for what happened. Give them the basic facts, but don’t go into any detail about the crash.

You may be called by an adjuster for that driver’s insurance carrier. The adjuster may say that they simply want to ask you some questions about the crash. That sounds harmless enough. But what they are actually looking for is something they can use to deny your claim. Every word you say will be carefully scrutinized and even misinterpreted to make it sound as if you are accepting some blame for the accident. If you are asked to answer some questions, calmly and politely refuse. Explain that you would like to speak with your lawyer first.

An adjuster may ask you to make a statement that gives your account of how the accident happened. What’s the harm in that? It could actually be very harmful. Again, they are looking for something they can use against you. They will carefully review your word choices and explanations to see if it gets them closer to their goal – which is to pay you as little as possible.

The other driver’s insurance company may also ask you to sign a release allowing them access to your medical records. Do not agree to this. The insurance company wants to review your medical records to look for information they can use to justify paying you less. They are looking for inconsistencies and anything they can use as an indication of a pre-existing injury. If this request is made, politely decline and get legal advice.

It’s common for insurance companies to make a settlement offer soon after a car accident. You may be told it’s the best that they can do, and they will promise quick payment. Your medical bills may be adding up quickly and you may just want to be done with all of this. But the insurance company is not doing you any favors. Their offer will fall far short of covering the damages you suffered. A lawyer can review their offer and advise you of your options.

Remember, once you agree to a settlement, you can’t go back later and ask for more money. Insurance companies increase settlement offers frequently, usually after a lawyer builds a strong case they have to take seriously.

A car accident lawyer is focused on getting you the best results.

Insurance companies have the advantage after a car accident, and they know it. They have many different tactics they can use to try to justify paying you less than you deserve. An experienced California car accident lawyer will be familiar with these tactics and have experience handling insurance companies, their adjusters, and their attorneys.

When you have experienced legal representation on your side, you don’t have to put up with the confusion and frustration of interactions with insurance companies. Your lawyer can deal with them directly on your behalf and negotiate a settlement that meets your needs, or fight for you in court if needed.

Learn more about how a car accident lawyer can help your case. Schedule a free consultation today.