Dealing With Fresno Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

Insurance companies play a vital role after an auto accident. They step in to help insured victims recover damages following their losses. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, or the extent of property damage, insurance companies can put you back to the position you were in before the crash. Unfortunately, some insurance companies are not honest. They are rarely forthcoming and straight with the offers they make, thus the need for you to be acquainted with what to expect when dealing with Fresno insurance companies after a car accident.

At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, it is our business to mind yours. That’s why we put our best foot forward when representing our clients against Fresno insurance companies. If you were in a car accident, you will need to notify your insurance company immediately. Waiting too long may hurt your case, let alone the time limits placed by the Texas statutes of limitation. How you interact with insurance adjusters will make a huge difference in the compensation you receive. Our Fresno car accident attorney can help you navigate this complex process. 

Whose Insurance Company Will Compensate Me?

One of the most frequent questions our clients ask is who to seek compensation from. Of course, most personal injury claims are brought forward against the parties responsible for the injuries and losses. For example, you may file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company or employer. But what happens when they are not insured or are underinsured? Still, you may be compensated for your losses.

Do I Accept the Initial Offer?

Right after filing a claim with insurance companies, a representative will contact you with an initial offer. This is often a great start. However, you shouldn’t be overjoyed about the offer, no matter how enticing it is. The fact is, many insurance adjusters will protect the interests of their employer, and will not, in any way, serve your interests. Although they may look and sound friendly, you should never mistake their kindness for being on your side. Accepting the initial offer may not be an appropriate decision, more so when you don’t have a clear picture of the extent of your losses.

If you negotiate a settlement yourself, insurance adjusters will stand their ground and refuse to increase the offer made. In this scenario, you either accept the lowball settlement or give up on your rights altogether. The best way to handle Fresno insurance companies after a car accident is to hire an aggressive attorney. With their help, you can easily tell a great deal, and negotiate your way to maximum compensation. An experienced legal team is familiar with the strategies used by insurance companies to deny compensation and will protect your rights and interests to the best of their abilities.

Do I Need an Attorney?

Nothing stops you from negotiating with Fresno insurance companies after a car accident on your own. However, your rights and interests are better protected if you let an aggressive attorney handle the process on your behalf. The thing is, insurance companies may ride on your lack of legal knowledge to offer lowball settlements or deny compensation altogether. They may hoodwink you into signing off your rights before you even establish the full extent of losses you suffered. On the other side, your legal team will ensure all your losses are taken into account and valued before negotiations begin. As such, you will receive maximum compensation for the economic and non-economic damages.

Must I Settle My Car Accident Case?

Most people prefer settling with insurance companies since the process is faster and cheaper compared to a court process. From the moment you notify Fresno insurance companies about your car accident, the settlement process is deemed to have begun. They will investigate your claim before making an initial offer. If you feel the offer made reflects your losses, you shouldn’t have any problem accepting it.

However, not all offers made represent the true value of your claim. Sometimes, the offer is made to start negotiations. If no beneficial outcome is reached, you are under no obligation to settle. You have the right to turn down offers from insurance adjusters if you feel they are lowball. If you do so, your next step should be filing a lawsuit where a jury will determine the outcome of your case.

Speak with a Lawyer if You Were Involved in a Car Accident in Fresno

Facing Fresno insurance companies after a car accident on your own can be an uphill task. You don’t have to jeopardize your chances of making a recovery just because you didn’t have the proper documentation or legal representation. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case with our car accident attorneys.