Dealing with Insurance Company Questions After a Car Accident

Have you recently been in a car accident? Was the car accident caused by the negligence of another person or party? It can be an extremely stressful and scary experience, not just when it happens, but the recovery can also pose a variety of physical and mental challenges. Even minor car accidents can result in costly repairs to your vehicle and medical bills. Of course, this is what insurance is for, or at least that’s what most drivers assume.

The problem is that when you are dealing with insurance companies, they always want to offer the lowest payouts possible, which doesn’t work in your favor and may not even be fair and reasonable. So, before you take on that stress, we’ve got some useful tips on how you can best deal with an insurance company’s questions after a car accident occurs.

 

Remember the Insurance Company Isn’t Looking Out for You

A very important factor to remember is that the insurance company representing the negligent driver isn’t looking out for your best interests. Their goal is to settle as quickly as possible and for as little as possible. Before you know it, you could be accepting a settlement that is well below fair value and you have now short-changed yourself.

 

The Facts are Your Best Friend

When you are asked questions by the insurance company, you must stick to the facts only. Never give up information or answers that they didn’t even inquire about. It doesn’t mean you’re lying; it just means you are focused on the facts and only answering the most basic questions. Never guess answers, or answer with such comments as “I think” or “I believe”. Answers must be fact-based only. If you truly don’t know, then that’s the answer you give. This also means you can’t exaggerate any of the circumstances or facts surrounding the accident and your injuries.

 

Keep Careful Records of All Conversations

If you do find yourself speaking to the insurance company, it’s wise to keep track of the questions they asked and what your answers were. This means writing it down so you can refer back to it if necessary. It may be important information for your personal injury case.

 

Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company

It’s normal to feel flustered by the insurance company if they are calling and hounding you with questions. There is nothing wrong with telling them you are unable to talk and that you are busy getting medical treatment or you are trying to recover. You certainly don’t want to find yourself answering things wrong or saying things that would possibly harm your case simply because you are flustered.

Not sure how to get out of the conversation and shut down the conversation? You can use answers/statements such as these:

  • I’m not prepared to talk about the accident.
  • I’m not prepared yet to talk about my injuries.
  • I will follow up with you later.
  • My lawyer will follow up with you.

If these lines don’t help, or you just don’t feel comfortable using them, it’s best to ignore the call and not answer it. Insurance companies are highly skilled at making you feel at ease and getting you to put your guard down, so it’s wise to have these responses ready to go. Even a simple question such as “How are you” can be unwise to answer. That company and that adjuster are not your friends.

The fact is that insurance adjusters know exactly how to get you to say things that will mess up your case. There is also the fact that you don’t have to talk to them, as there is no law that states you must.

 

You Don’t Have to Agree to a Recording

Another technique that insurance companies can use on victims is to record their statements. This can be very beneficial to the insurance company but can end up being used against you. There is no reason you need to agree to it, so be sure to say no.

Bear in mind they will often take that recording and then compare it to what the police report says, looking for any discrepancies or potentially damaging information.

 

Get Details from the Insurance Company

While it may seem like the insurance company is pestering you with constant questions, you need to be looking out for your best interests. It is recommended that you ask for the insurance company’s name, the adjuster’s name, and their phone number. Write the information down and store it somewhere you can easily find it.

 

Hire One of Our Personal Injury Lawyers Immediately

The very best step you can take is to hire one of our top personal injury attorneys here at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. A personal injury accident lawyer is well-versed in dealing with the questions that the negligent party’s insurance company will have. We are familiar with the typical lingo that is used, what they may be looking for, and what’s involved in agreeing on fair compensation.

A personal injury accident attorney looks out for you and your needs and isn’t worried about placating the insurance company. You are our client, and it’s you we are looking out for.

This means when the insurance company does call you, there’s no need to answer anything. You can let the company know that all communication will be done through your attorney and that they will need to speak to the lawyer – not you. There is no need to provide any further comment on the accident, your injuries, your treatment, damages or anything.

As for when to give us a call, it’s simple – as soon as possible following your accident. This means as soon as you’re medically stable enough to give us a call or visit us in person, we recommend you do so. Let Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys protect your legal rights and get you the compensation you and your family deserve.

Why Commercial Vehicle Insurance Is Essential for California Businesses

Every detail matters within the thriving business ecosystem of California. From hiring the best talent to optimizing workflow processes, entrepreneurs leave no stone unturned. Another crucial aspect that demands attention is safeguarding company assets, particularly when it comes to commercial vehicles. If you are a business owner with a fleet, commercial vehicle insurance isn’t just a recommendation – it’s essential. Let’s explore why.

 

Protect Your Financial Investment

Commercial vehicles aren’t just a mode of transportation; they are a significant investment in your business. Whether it’s a single delivery van or an entire fleet of trucks, there’s substantial capital involved. Accidents, theft, or damage can result in considerable financial loss and the need to work with a vehicle accident lawyer. Commercial vehicle insurance acts as a buffer against these unforeseen expenditures, ensuring that mishaps don’t derail your business’s finances.

 

Legal Compliance and Peace of Mind

The State of California mandates that all commercial vehicles have a minimum amount of liability insurance. Operating without the required insurance can result in hefty fines, potential litigation, and even the suspension of your business operations. Having the right coverage, on the other hand, not only ensures you are compliant with the law but also provides you with peace of mind. With adequate insurance, you can focus on the day-to-day running of your business without the nagging concern of potential liabilities. An automobile accident lawyer can help if you’re not sure what insurance you need, or if you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident with an uninsured driver.

 

Shield Against Liability Claims

If a commercial vehicle associated with your business causes harm to someone or damages property, the repercussions can be severe. Liability claims can soar, sometimes reaching amounts that can put the very existence of a company at risk. Motor vehicle accident lawyers work tirelessly to get the highest compensation for their clients, which will come out of your pocket if insurance cannot cover it. With commercial vehicle insurance, you’re equipped to handle such situations. It covers the associated costs, preventing any undue strain on your business finances.

 

Upholding Your Business Reputation

A well-maintained fleet can be a reflection of your company’s professionalism. If a vehicle breaks down or is involved in an incident due to a lack of proper coverage, it can harm your business image. On the other hand, showing responsibility by insuring your vehicles can help build trust among clients and stakeholders. It sends the message that safety and professionalism are top priorities.

 

Employee Protection and Retention

Your employees are the backbone of your business. If they drive your vehicle, their safety should be paramount. In the unfortunate event of an accident, commercial vehicle insurance ensures that your employees receive the necessary medical attention without the burden of costs. Such provisions not only protect the wellbeing of your team but can also boost morale and improve retention rates. After all, employees are more likely to stay loyal to a company that values their safety and wellbeing.

 

Future-Proofing Your Operations

Business landscapes evolve, sometimes unpredictably. As your company grows, so might your fleet. Having insurance in place prepares you for this growth. Whether you add more vehicles or expand into different areas of California, an existing insurance policy can often be adjusted to accommodate these changes. This proactive approach ensures that even as your operations scale, every new vehicle remains protected from day one.

 

Enhanced Productivity and Operational Efficiency

In a dynamic business environment, every minute counts. Unexpected disruptions due to vehicular issues can significantly impact productivity. When a vehicle is side-lined because of an accident or damage, deliveries might be delayed, client meetings postponed, or essential services interrupted. Commercial vehicle insurance often comes with provisions for rental services or quick repairs. This ensures that your operations run smoothly without prolonged interruptions. When your fleet is consistently on the move, your business’s efficiency and productivity thrive, setting you apart from competitors and solidifying your reliability in the market.

 

Flexibility in Customizing Coverage

Every business is unique, and so are its requirements. While some companies might need a comprehensive plan that covers every possible scenario, others might be looking for something more basic. The beauty of commercial vehicle insurance is its adaptability. Insurance providers often offer a range of coverage options, allowing businesses to tailor policies to their specific needs. Whether it’s collision coverage, comprehensive protection, or uninsured motorist provisions, you can mix and match based on your business risks and budget. This flexibility ensures you’re not paying for anything you don’t need while still maintaining a robust safety net for your fleet.

 

Safeguarding Business Continuity

Business continuity is all about planning and preparing to ensure that operations can continue no matter the challenges or crises faced. Commercial vehicles, often being integral to a company’s operations, play a key role in this equation. By ensuring these vehicles have the right coverage, you can create a contingency plan for your business. Whether a vehicle is damaged in a natural disaster, vandalized, or involved in an accident, insurance can expedite repairs or replacement. This fast action reduces downtime and ensures that the business continues to serve its customers, maintain its revenue streams, and uphold its commitments without major disruptions.

 

Secure Your Business Future

Understanding the importance of commercial vehicle insurance is just the beginning. To truly protect your business and navigate the complexities of California’s legal landscape, you need the right professionals by your side.

With years of dedicated experience and a team of motor vehicle accident lawyers, Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are here to guide you through every legal challenge. Whether you’re dealing with an accident in your fleet or have been involved in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, we can help.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Whether you’re a business owner, employee, driver, or a member of the public, our team has extensive experience in accidents and insurance and can offer advice and support for almost any situation.

What is the Time Limit on the Farmers Insurance Auto Insurance Claim?

There is always a time limit to filing claims and Farmers Insurance claims are no exception to that rule. In case you were involved in an auto accident covered by your Farmers Insurance policy, it is of the utmost importance that you take some time out to understand how the time limit works in such cases. Up next, we will be exploring and answering some of the most common and important questions that people have after being involved and injured in an auto accident.

 

What Exactly is the Farmers Auto Insurance Claim Time Limit?

The Farmers Auto Insurance claim time limit defines the maximum amount of time you have to report the incident and file the insurance claim. The timer will start from the date of the accident, but there is no way to be sure when it will end without knowing the exact details, such as the specific policy you have signed up for and the applicable laws and regulations of the concerned state where the accident happened. In exceptional cases, extenuating circumstances might be cited if present to get an extension. Nevertheless, you will need to consult with your Farmers Insurance agent and inform them about the same as quickly as possible.

 

What is Most Crucial in Determining the Farmers Auto Insurance Claim Time Limit?

There are quite a few crucial factors here, but a lot depends on the state in question. In general, all of the following will play crucial roles in determining how much time you will have to file the claim after the accident.

The State – Different states have different regulations about auto insurance policies, so it will partially depend on which state is being discussed. If it is necessary to file a claim against the insurer or the party at fault for the accident, the lawsuit must be filed within the concerned state’s Statute of Limitations for personal injury and property damage.

There is also the question of whether the accident happened in a fault state or no-fault state. In some states, the fault might be shared between you and the other party. The compensation will be awarded based on your percentage of participation in actions that led to the accident. Other states will always have one party responsible for paying the other.

Statute of Limitation – As explained, the statute of limitation is going to be key if you need to bring legal action under the guidance of your auto accident lawyer to sue one or more parties for compensation. For example, the Statute of Limitation in the state of California is just two years for personal injuries, but you get three years to claim compensation for property damages. In Texas, you will have a total of two years to file a lawsuit against the party at fault for both personal injuries and/or property damages.

Personal Injury – One of the first things you should do after getting injured in an automotive accident is seek medical assistance. Get yourself thoroughly checked and be sure to keep all documents, prescriptions, bills, and medical reports. You will need them for everything related to your personal injury claim and your Farmers Auto Insurance claim.

You will also need them if you decide to sue any party involved. However, they will first play a key role in determining how much time you will have between the day of accident and your day of filing the claim. Serious injuries and debilitating medical conditions can stretch your time limit further than usual.

Vehicle Assessment and/or Repair Documents – When it comes to auto insurance, the condition of the car or cars involved in the accident will play a huge role. It will not only determine the time limit to file a claim, but those documents are going to be crucial in making a successful claim and proving your case later if you decide to sue someone who was involved in the accident. Even if you plan to get your car fully repaired, don’t forget to take photos before those repairs are completed. Consult with your motor vehicle accident lawyers for more information on how to proceed.

 

What is the Time Limit for Reporting an Accident to Law Enforcement?

You should always try to report the accident immediately if possible, or as soon as possible. The police report itself is an essential document and a mandatory requirement for filing claims in all states. It does not matter whether you are only filing for your Farmers Auto Insurance coverage or filing a lawsuit against the party at fault; you will need a police report. Therefore, it is best to never think about how long you may have to report to the police, and get it done as soon as you can.

However, it’s always best to call the local emergency line or 911 right after the accident. This is especially important if you are injured in the accident. Trying to get away from the scene of the accident without help can lead to medical and legal complications. For the sake of information, note that the time limit can be just 7-10 days or 20-30 days, depending on the state. Check with your car or truck accident lawyer for more information.

 

What are Your Options If You are Already Too Late File the Claim?

It is highly recommended that you try and maintain the time limit. In case that is no longer possible, contact Farmers Insurance and discuss your options with an agent. As already mentioned, there are several factors that can be used to lengthen the time limit, but most of those routes will need to go through a proper legal channel.

You can contact us at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for free counsel from our best auto accident attorneys. You will be provided with a step-by-step guide on how to proceed for the best results. If you have a just case, we will take it on and fight for you to win the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What to Say to Your Insurance Company After a Car or Semi-Truck Accident

After being involved in a car accident, you might experience a whirlwind of emotions and it can be quite terrifying. Even if you are lucky enough to not be seriously hurt, the stress, worry and anxiety after a car accident feels awful, and could lead you to act or speak in a way that might compromise your best interests when it comes to your case.

In fact, your insurance company or that of the other driver might be waiting for you to say the wrong thing. For example, apologizing at the scene might feel natural to you if the other driver has been hurt or their car is wrecked. But while you might be saying sorry just to be nice, insurance companies might take this as an admission of fault and hold you liable for the accident, even if you weren’t at fault.

 

What to Say to the Insurance Company After an Accident

You will likely get a call from the claim adjuster from your insurance company around a few days after the accident, in which they will want to get more information on the details of what happened. It’s important to bear in mind that insurance companies are looking out for themselves rather than you. Because of this, you need to be prepared for them to be looking out for any reasons to reduce your payout as much as they can. The best way to avoid giving them anything to use to do this is to say nothing at all and hire an experience personal injury attorney.  If you find that you must provide a statement keep your conversation as short and to the point as possible. Some tips to keep in mind include:

Give General Information

When speaking to your insurance company, you are only obligated to provide general or basic details about the accident. This includes personal information about yourself such as your name, the type of car you were driving when the accident happened, the other cars involved, the names of other people involved in the accident, where the accident happened, when it happened, and information on the other driver’s insurance company.

 

Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement

You are not under any legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to your insurance company. It is important to avoid recording a final verbal statement, without consulting a good car accident or personal injury lawyer beforehand, who can help you do this in a way that is in the best interests of your case.

 

Don’t Be Too Specific

Even if you have got medical attention after being involved in the accident and are aware of the extent of your injuries, it is important to avoid giving a detailed description of them or providing a final statement regarding your injuries to the insurance company. This is because after a car crash, injuries may appear later down the line, especially if you have internal injuries that are not always obvious. Along with this, there is also the risk of your current injuries escalating into something more serious.

 

What You Should Never Say After a Car Accident

Whether you are talking to the insurance company, the other driver involved, or witnesses at the scene, it’s important to choose your words carefully after a car accident. The vocabulary that you use could lead to problems with your case after a car accident, even if you said them innocently or meaning well. Some things that you should always avoid saying after a car accident include:

Sorry

Even if you are simply the type of person who apologizes a lot and you feel bad for the other driver involved, apologizing to them is always a bad idea. Even if you think that you might be at fault for the accident, don’t say sorry to the other driver. This is because any witnesses to the interaction might see this as an admission of guilt or taking responsibility for the accident.

 

That You Don’t Have an Attorney

If you are contacted by your insurance company before you have had the chance to get in touch with us here at Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys, the last thing you should do is admit to them that you don’t have a lawyer yet. If your insurance company knows that you do not have any legal representation, they might try to reduce your compensation. For example, they may offer a quick settlement, which will typically be significantly lower than the amount you could have received.

 

Let’s Handle It Ourselves

You should always tell your insurance company about any car accidents that you are involved in. It’s not uncommon if you have a minor crash that only causes a little bit of damage to your car, and has not led to any serious injuries, to consider simply not telling your insurance company about it, getting the cars fixed and getting on with your life. However, it’s important to resist the urge to avoid reporting a car accident, especially if it was only a fender bender. The truth is that you may be due compensation for any crash, and not reporting a car accident to your insurance company will only make it harder to receive the payout you are owed.

If you’ve been involved in a car crash, then it’s important to carefully choose the words you use at the scene and when talking to your insurance company. Get in touch with our experienced lawyers today if you need advice on what to say. Call us at 877-557-4221.

What the Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know

When you purchase insurance for your car, in theory, the insurance company is there to help you as the policyholder if you get into an accident. If you are involved in a car accident or sustain a serious injury while driving, then you will need to file a claim with an insurance company in the hope of receiving compensation for any medical expenses you have incurred, loss of income due to not being able to work while you recover from the injuries, and pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, the truth is that insurance companies are more interested in making a profit than they are in helping you. For that reason, there are quite a few things that your insurance company doesn’t want you to know. If you were aware, then you’d be standing in the way of them making money!

So, what are some of the things that insurance companies would rather be kept a secret? Read on to find out more.

 

What You Say Can be Used Against You

After a car accident, your insurance company may ask you to provide a recorded statement addressing what happened and the damage that was done. However, you are under no legal obligation to do this, and it is recommended that you don’t unless you’re doing it with a personal injury or car accident attorney who can help you make sure that you are describing the accident in a way that does not incriminate yourself. In fact, even casual remarks that you make while talking with claims adjusters can be taken as formal statements – especially if you are speculating about whether or not the accident was your fault or describing your injuries. Because of this, it’s important to only stick to the basics when talking about your claim and consult a car accident attorney before giving any statements.

 

Insurance Adjusters are Great At Negotiating

After a car accident, you might simply want to get your money and move on with your life – and the claims adjuster will know this. They might pressure you to accept a settlement offer or even give you a deadline, telling you that you only have a few hours to accept or that this is the best offer that they can come up with. However, it’s best to avoid falling for these tactics and don’t accept the first offer you are given. If you are not confident when it comes to your negotiation skills to get a better offer, you have the right to seek outside counsel and hire a car accident lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.

 

Adjusters Might be Lying to You

Don’t assume that your insurance adjuster is always being truthful with you when it comes to talking about your claim. For example, they might use information that they know about you, such as existing health conditions to tell you that you are not going to be able to make a claim for the injuries you have suffered in the car accident. However, this is not always the truth. There are lots of things that insurance adjusters might say to you in the hope that you don’t know any better and to see if they can get away with it, which is why it’s always best to have an attorney liaise with them on your behalf.  Insurance adjusters are sales people. They want to sell your claim for the lowest price possible.

 

Claims Adjusters are There to Make Money

We’d all like to believe that the insurance company is there to help us. However, the truth is that most of them have the main goal of simply making money for the company. While the claims adjuster might seem like a nice and helpful person while you are speaking to them, their main job is to try and reduce your claim as much as possible, or even try to have it completely denied. Bear in mind that the insurance company does not make any money from helping you, and the claims adjuster works for them.

 

They Hire Doctors to Find Pre-Existing Injuries and Minimize Your Claim

If you allow your insurance company access to your medical records when you sign an authorization form, then they are going to use this to find as much information as possible to minimize your claim. To do this, they will often hire doctors who are there to look through your medical records to try and find any records of a pre-existing condition or injury that they can use to throw doubt on your claim. They might then use this to claim that your injury is not as severe as you say it is. Even if your own doctor is backing you up, the insurance company will hire their own doctors to try and contradict this.

 

They Don’t Want You to Hire a Lawyer

If you have been involved in a car accident, then the first thing you should do is hire a personal injury lawyer. However, your insurance company might want to try to convince you from doing this. They might tell you that hiring a lawyer isn’t worth the cost or that having an attorney is unlikely to help you get a better offer. In most cases, they are hoping that you don’t hire a lawyer so that they are less likely to have to pay out a decent settlement for your case, hoping that without legal counsel you may agree to a seriously low-ball offer just to get it over and done with. Don’t fall for it! Hire an experience personal injury attorney.

 

You Can Sue Insurance Companies for Unethical Practices

Any practices that act against the best interests of the policyholder are considered to be unethical insurance practices. Insurance companies should always act in accordance with accountability laws, but some assume you won’t know about them. A good lawyer will help ensure that your insurance company is held accountable if they act in a way that is against your best interests.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys can help you make sure that you’re not falling foul of these insurance company practices. We can liaise with the insurance company on your behalf. Get in touch today for a free consultation and to find out more. Call Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys now at 877-557-4221.