HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY AFTER GETTING INTO A CAR ACCIDENT IN SACRAMENTO OR FOLSOM CA
Posted on Monday, February 23rd, 2015 at 2:33 am
We can help you deal with your insurance company if you get into a car accident in Sacramento or Folsom, CA
Getting into a car crash in Sacramento or Folsom, CA is stressful enough but having to deal with your insurance company can be overwhelming. Most importantly you should always remember that your insurance company is not your friend. They don’t make money by paying claims they make money by collecting your premium. So you should know all your rights when it comes to injured people, car repairs and insurance laws.
If you are fortunate enough that the people involved in your Sacramento car accident haven’t been seriously injured, there are still other important factors that relate to your claim. If you were at fault you might have substantial risk in the case. Our Sacramento & Folsom auto accident attorneys have included valuable tips here that will help you lower your risk and to guide you to get the best deal with your auto insurance company after your car accident.
1. Contact Your Auto Insurance Company Quickly
Insurance companies all require you to notify them within a certain amount of time in the event you have a car accident in Sacramento & Folsom, CA. Failing to do this will delay your case investigation and could possibly jeopardize your rights under California law. Even in small car accidents, when it seems like everyone is just fine and there is little damage to the vehicles, we can take it upon ourselves to handle the matter and not get the insurance company involved. Often the agreements made at the accident scene get broken and the accident gets reported to the company anyhow. No matter what, you should quickly notify your insurance company soon after the accident. Call the companies’ accident claim department or even your insurance agent as soon as you can.
2. Tell the Truth!
This is the most important tip to remember of all. Never lie to your insurance company even if you think you might not have the coverage you need. You could potentially face loss in coverage if you are caught lying and you could potentially face criminal penalties.
3. You have Options for your Auto Repairs
If you are covered for collision in California your insurance company is required to cover all repairs necessary to get your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. And if the cost of the repairs is more than the value of the vehicle, they must total the auto. Most people don’t know this but you are allowed to choose the shop that you prefer to make the necessary repairs. Just remember to make sure that the auto body shop you choose will be able to return your car to pre-accident conditions.
4. Be Very Clear and Stick to Just the Facts
Your accident details should be given factually and as clear as you can. Placing blame or accepting fault at this point could hurt your case. Just report the details of your accident to the adjuster and don’t go into to much detail.
5. Rental Car Coverage is Important
While your car is in the repair shop you will want to rent a quality rental car. Make sure that your auto insurance policy also covers liability and collision on any vehicle your rent. Do not make a common mistake by not purchasing this level of insurance if the rental car company does not offer it. While you are renting a vehicle you need to make sure you limit future liability for any possible future accident.
6. It is Very Important to Know Your Rights if Someone is Injured in the Accident.
If unfortunately, the accident was your fault, your auto insurance company will pay the cost for medical care and damages up to the policy limits. If by some chance you are being held liable for more than your policy limits, our Sacramento & Folsom, CA accident attorneys can help defend you and quite possibly save you money. Your attorney can also relieve you of additional stress by handling all the details with the other attorney or insurance company.
7. If Your Car is Totaled You have Rights
The state of California has guidelines that all auto insurance appraisers must follow. These guidelines include three ways of determining the value of your vehicle. Most adjusters will look at the Kelly Blue Book average values. They will also take into consideration what local auto dealers are selling similar vehicles for. If by chance you think that your appraiser is undervaluing your car take it upon yourself to do a little research. Then present the details you found so that you can get a fair price for your totaled automobile.
Always remember that you have options if you feel that your car insurance company is taking advantage of you. If you can’t work it out with the customer service representative you can contact the California Department of Insurance or follow your insurance companies dispute resolution process to get fair results.
Free Legal Advice for Sacramento and Folsom CA Accident Victims
Here, at the Tiemann Law Firm, our auto accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you and your family secure the financial help you need and deserve after experiencing a motor vehicle accident. Our Sacramento and Folsom, CA accident attorneys can meet with you free of charge, and if we take your case, we will charge no attorneys’ fees unless and until you receive compensation. When we decide to take your case, that means that our accident attorneys are willing and able to put in the time, the effort, and the resources needed to make your case the success it should be. Clients come to us from not only Sacramento but also Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rocklin and other areas in Northern California and greater Sacramento, California.
