DO’S AND DON’TS FOR CALIFORNIA INSURANCE CLAIMS

When you are injured by another person or another party, the personal injury laws of California provide you with a legal remedy for seeking compensation from that person. In most personal injury cases, the insurance company for the at-fault party is responsible for paying California insurance claims. Because the insurance company is responsible for payment, the insurance company will investigate your claim and may choose to delay or deny your claim.

In order to protect your right to receive a fair and just settlement in California insurance claims, you need to know the do’s and don’ts that can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

California Insurance Claims Do’s

• DO contact an attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney will protect your right to receive a fair and just settlement for your injuries.
• DO keep a record of all of your expenses including medical bills, prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, travel expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.
• DO take notes whenever you talk to a medical provider, insurance adjuster, or other party regarding your accident. Note the day, time, and what was discussed.
• DO take pictures of your injuries as you heal, any property damage (i.e. your wrecked vehicle, your bicycle, etc.), and the accident scene.
• DO keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident.
• DO follow all of the instructions given by your medical provider.

California Insurance Claims Don’ts

• DON’T sign a release of liability without consulting with an attorney and the attorney reviews the release.
• DON’T sign a medical release for the insurance company to obtain copies of your medical records until after you have consulted with an attorney and the attorney reviews the release.
• DON’T provide a written or recorded statement without consulting with an attorney.
• DON’T accept an insurance company’s offer of settlement until you consult with an attorney to determine if the offer is fair.
• DON’T miss any doctor appointments.
• DON’T accept a check from the insurance company without obtaining legal advice, especially if the check says “final payment” or “payment in full.”
• DON’T sign any documents for the insurance company, its attorney, or the party responsible for your injury without your attorney first reviewing the document.
• DON’T discuss the details of your injury or your accident with anyone other than your attorney.
• DON’T use social media during the claims process. What you post online is never private – the attorney for the insurance company can gain access to your social media posts.

DO Contact an Experienced Sacramento Personal Injury Law Firm

As soon as possible after your accident or injury, contact Tiemann Law Firm for your free consultation with one of our Sacramento personal injury attorneys by calling (916) 999-9000.

Our California injury attorneys understand how to deal with insurance companies and how to protect your right to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay our fees until we win a settlement for you.