The Role of Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Claims

Hurt in an accident in Fresno or elsewhere in California? You have the right to hold the at-fault party legally liable for your damages through a personal injury claim. However, it is unlikely that your case will go to court. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), fewer than five percent of personal injury claims ever go to trial. Far more claims are settled—and the insurance company plays a big role in the process. Here, our Fresno personal injury lawyer highlights the key things to know about the role of insurance companies in personal injury claims in California.

Insurance Companies “Defend” Most Personal Injury Cases in California

Insurance companies play a big role in the personal injury claims process in California. After an accident, an injured victim will often (but not always) bring their legal claim through an insurance company. Indeed, insurers frequently step in to protect the interests of the policyholder. Insurance companies are staffed by well-trained adjusters, attorneys, and other personnel.

The Bottom Line: When you bring a personal injury claim after an accident, you will often do so through an insurance company.

Insurers Investigate the Accident, Evaluate the Claim, and Handle Settlement Negotiations

In California, insurance companies have a legal duty to operate in a good faith manner. In other words, they must act fairly. Otherwise, they can be held liable. Insurance companies will typically conduct a thorough investigation in order to make an assessment of liability and damages. Depending on the nature of the accident, the process will typically involve reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, examining medical records, and assessing other evidence. Insurers evaluate this information to determine the value of the claim—and that will influence their settlement offer or lack thereof.

Insurance Adjusters are Not on Your Side (They Want You to Settle for Less)

Insurance adjusters may come across as helpful and sympathetic. Indeed, they are trained to be friendly and disarming. Unfortunately, you cannot trust any insurance adjuster to do what is best for you and your family. The primary objective of the insurance adjuster is to protect the company’s bottom line. What does that mean for you? It means they want to pay out as little as possible.

Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators who are trained to minimize the insurance company’s payout. Adjusters often encourage quick settlements, and they will frequently downplay the severity of your injuries, or they may even suggest that legal representation is unnecessary. Do not go it alone: You have the right to be represented by a top-tier Fresno personal injury attorney.

Contact Our Fresno Personal Injury Attorney Today

At Nunes Law, Inc., our Fresno personal injury lawyers are ready to take the wheel and steer you toward justice and maximum financial compensation. We hold insurance companies accountable. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Fresno, we represent injured victims throughout the wider region of Central California.

Related Links:

• Once I Hire a Lawyer for My Case, Should I Speak to My Insurance Company?
• What Information Should You Give to an Insurance Adjuster?
• Can I Fire My Insurance Company While My Claim is Pending?
• Should You Take the Offer From the Insurance Company?
• Why Does My Insurance Have to Pay if the Accident Was Not My Fault?
• Insurance Asking for Repayment After a Settlement
• Why Insurance Companies Hire Personal Investigators?