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.
