Posted on Thursday, October 4th, 2018 at 1:53 am    

When a person causes an injury through negligence or wrongdoing, California’s personal injury laws allow for compensation of damages. In many cases, the person who caused the injury has a liability insurance policy that covers the claim. For example, motorists are required to have minimum car insurance in case they cause a car accident. Businesses and homeowners have property insurance to cover claims for a fall or other injury on their property.

Therefore, most accident claims are handled by the insurance provider for the at-fault party. Even though the purpose of liability insurance is to cover valid claims against the insured, insurance providers do not want to pay large claims. Insurance companies are in business to make money and paying large injury claims cuts into their profit margin.

Three Warning Signs a Settlement Offer May Not Be Fair

In some cases, the insurance company may attempt to settle the claim very quickly. While a quick settlement is not always an indication of an unfair settlement amount, it is a reason to be cautious and to contact a Sacramento personal injury attorney before accepting the settlement offer.

  • The Settlement is Less Than You Expected

If a settlement offer is lower than you expected, the insurance company may be attempting to close the claim quickly to avoid paying a higher amount. You are not required to accept the settlement offer. Accepting the first settlement offer usually means you are losing money. You have the right to negotiate a settlement that is fair and just. Our Sacramento personal injury attorneys have extensive experiencing valuing claims. Call to discuss your claim with an attorney during a free case review.

  • The Insurance Adjuster Tells You That The Policy Does Not Fully Cover Your Injuries Or Accident

An insurance policy usually contains specific exclusions that are not covered by the insurance policy. If the adjuster tells you that your accident or your injury is not fully covered, do not accept the offer. You need to ask for a written explanation of the determination with copies of the appropriate portion of the policy excluding the injury or accident.

In addition, the insurance company may allege that you are partially at fault for the accident or your injuries. Claiming you are partially at-fault is a means of lowering the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive under California’s comparative fault laws.

If the insurance company tries either of these tactics, contact our Sacramento personal injury attorneys immediately.

  • The Company Requests a Signed Release

Before you sign a release, you need to consult with an attorney. Once you sign a release, you cannot file a lawsuit or claim additional compensation. The release relieves the insurance company and other parties from any further liability for your injuries and damages. Even if you discover an additional injury or require additional medical treatment, you cannot recover any additional compensation if you have signed a release.

Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney

Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to request a free consultation with one of our Sacramento personal injury lawyers.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.