The Role of Insurance Companies in California Personal Injury Claims

The Role of Insurance Companies in California Personal Injury Claims

• December 27, 2024
• Categories: Personal Injury

People typically buy insurance to protect themselves and their families from the economic consequences that can arise from an accident, a natural disaster, or a medical emergency.  The role of insurance companies in California personal injury claims are varied, but some of their key roles include:

• Provide protection and financial resources in the aftermath of a serious, unforeseen event
• Send an insurance claims adjuster to review damage and losses and calculate the reimbursement you’re entitled to
• Provide peace of mind through car, homeowners, and other insurance policies so you don’t feel vulnerable if accidents happen
• Serve as intermediaries between policyholders and claimants.

While there are many upsides to insurance companies, there can also be downsides.  Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they are loathe to pay out large amounts of money to policyholders.  Insurance companies have teams of lawyers whose job it is to find ways to defeat your claim or pay you as little as possible when your claim is successful.  That’s why it’s important for you to have your own personal injury attorney who’s willing to go toe-to-toe with insurance representatives and fight on your behalf.

Why Choose Neale & Fhima

We know there are a lot of California lawyers to choose from.  We’re confident that our legal team stands head and shoulders above the rest.  Attorney Aaron Fhima is among the best and the brightest.  Our outstanding client testimonials speak to our law firm’s skill in winning cases.  Here are a few reasons to choose Neale & Fhima:

• No Surprises. We tell you up front what you can expect from the legal process, what your case might be worth, and what the strengths and weaknesses of your claim might be.
• We Know the Law. California law is complicated at best, and deeply confusing at worst.  We’ll help you avoid legal pitfalls and guide you in building a strong legal case.
• Years of Experience. Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience representing clients in Southern California.
• We Value Client Relationships. High-volume law offices often think of clients as nothing more than a number on a case file.  We’re different. We like getting to know our clients and their families.
• Our Lawyers Win Cases. Neale & Fhima has a 99% success rate in personal injury claims.

What Are the Types of Coverage in Personal Injury Cases?

The personal injury claims process can be arduous, and the quality of your attorney can make a big difference in the compensation you ultimately receive.  There are various types of coverage in personal injury cases, especially in car accident and truck collision claims.  Some of these include:

• Vehicle collision insurance
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance
• Bodily injury insurance
• Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
• Homeowners’ insurance
• Personal or business liability insurance.

These are just a few of the insurance coverage types that could provide compensation for economic and non-economic damages you’ve suffered as a result of a vehicle crash, slip and fall accident, or other injury event.  A skilled personal injury attorney can review the various insurance policies available to secure the maximum compensation possible for you.

Obstacles Insurance Companies Try to Impose

You may be wondering about common tactics used by insurance companies to defeat injury victims’ claims.  There are many, and the obstacles can be daunting.  Insurance companies might create obstacles by saying you missed deadlines, didn’t fill out paperwork correctly, or that your policy has lapsed.  It can be confusing and frustrating for accident victims who try to deal with insurance companies on their own.

Tips for Dealing with Insurance

There are some tried and true tips for dealing with insurance companies to protect yourself and your right to file a legal claim for damages.  These include:

1. Never admit fault. 

One of the most imperative tips for dealing with insurance is never to admit fault.  Things you say in the days after an accident can be used against you later when filing a lawsuit for compensation.

2. Don’t sign anything before speaking to your lawyer. 

Insurance companies can be clever in the way they get accident victims to sign documents.  Representatives might explain things in confusing ways, rush or bully victims into signing, or allow victims to sign things while misunderstanding the document’s purpose.  Speak to a lawyer before signing anything.

3. Do not accept/cash a check offered to you by an insurance company in the days/weeks immediately after an accident without speaking to your attorney.

Sometimes insurance companies, in an effort to get you to accept a low-ball offer, will deliver to you a check for an amount of money that could be significantly less than you’re entitled to.  If you cash the check and take the money, you give up the option of negotiating for greater compensation.  It’s typically best to consult an attorney and let your lawyer negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Neale & Fhima: Your Team of Outstanding Personal Injury Lawyers

At Neale & Fhima, our experienced personal injury attorneys have an outstanding record of recovering more than $50 million in rightful compensation for accident victims throughout Southern California.  Our lawyers are tough and unflinching when negotiating with insurance companies.  We are committed to getting the maximum payout possible in your case.  We will enforce your rights as a claimant, and not let insurance companies bully you.

To build a strong personal injury claim, our team will help you gather medical records, test results, proof of lost wages, accident scene evidence, surveillance video, and other data to prove the defendant’s negligence.  You don’t have to face huge medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering on your own because our caring, compassionate staff will assist you throughout the legal process.  We will treat you and your family with respect, and we’ll keep you informed about the progress of your case.  To find out more, call us for a free consultation at 888-407-2955.