WHAT DO I DO IF THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO PAY?

When you are injured in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you expect the insurance company for the other driver to pay your damages. In some cases, if liability is very clear, an insurance company will pay the claim without a fight. In other cases, an insurance company may offer a quick settlement if it believes it will be on the hook for a much larger amount if the victim contacts an attorney or waits to settle the claim.

However, some insurance companies look for any reasons they can find to avoid paying an insurance claim. When this happens, it can be frustrating and stressful for an accident victim. You know that the other driver is at fault and that the insurance company should pay your claim, but you are receiving the run-around or the company has outright denied your claim. In this case, what can you do to recover the money you deserve for your accident claim?

Steps to Take if the Insurance Company is Refusing Payment

California is an “at fault” insurance state. In a fault insurance state, you must prove that the other driver caused the accident to recover money from that driver’s liability insurance provider. If you have been injured in a traffic accident, there are steps you can take to protect your right to recover compensation for your claim.

• File your claim as quickly as possible with the insurance company. Ask for an estimate of time to process your claim and don’t be afraid of calling the company if the deadline passes without any response from the company.
• Do not provide a recorded or written statement to the insurance provider. This tactic is designed to obtain information from you that the insurance company can use against you. If the company refuses to process your claim without a statement, call a Sacramento car accident attorney immediately.
• Keep detailed notes about every conversation and meeting you have with the insurance company and any of its representatives. Include the date and time of the conversation, to whom you are speaking, the person’s title, and the details of the conversation.
• If you disagree with the settlement offer, submit a written rejection asking for a review of the claim. If the company does not respond or offer more money, call our Sacramento accident attorneys to discuss other options you may have for fighting the company, including filing a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, simply getting an attorney involved can persuade the insurance company to settle the claim for a fair and just amount.

Call for a Free Consultation with a Sacramento Accident Attorney

Dealing directly with an insurance company can be difficult. Insurance adjusters are trying to find a way to deny or underpay your claim. This can be very frustrating when you are injured, bills are piling up, and you know for certain the other driver caused the crash.

Don’t try to fight this battle alone. Our Sacramento personal injury lawyers can take up the battle for you so you can rest and recuperate. You can contact the Tiemann Law Firm by telephone at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.  We represent injury victims throughout Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.