Dealing With Car Insurance Companies
An experienced Athens, TX attorney serving all of Henderson County and East Texas
When you've been hurt in a car accident caused by another driver, you deserve financial compensation. So you file a claim with the other driver's insurance company. Seems like it should be simple, but things can get complicated quickly. Attorney Jeff Weinstein of Weinstein Law helps the injured navigate the process to get results.
There's one thing to remember about insurance companies - they are not on your side. Insurance companies want to make money and keep their profits as high as possible. One way to do that is to keep their payouts as low as possible. And they have lawyers looking out for their best interests.
That's why you need a lawyer who knows how to take on insurance companies. Attorney Jeff Weinstein has been fighting for the injured in Henderson County for decades. He knows the games insurance companies like to play. And he knows what it takes to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Common questions about insurance companies:
- How do I deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company in Texas?
- How do I protect myself from the insurance companies’ tactics?
- How long does an auto insurance company have to settle a claim in Texas?
- How do you negotiate with an insurance company?
- When is “fully covered” not enough?
What to expect from insurance companies
Here are some of the tactics insurance companies like to use:
- They'll blame you for the crash. Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule when deciding personal injury cases. A driver is unable to recover damages if found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident. So the insurance company may try to suggest that you were at least 51% responsible for what happened.
- They'll argue that your injuries were pre-existing. Insurance companies may try to argue that they don't owe you anything because your injuries happened before the accident. They'll use discovery requests to seek your medical records. They're looking for information that they can use against you.
- They'll make a lowball settlement offer. One way insurance companies try to save money is by offering much less than you deserve for your injuries. Soon after the accident, they may contact you with a settlement offer. But it will likely be far less money than your claim is worth. They may tell you it's the best they can do. Don't believe them.
Don’t settle for less – let attorney Weinstein fight to maximize your compensation
Jeff Weinstein fights for the best possible outcome for his clients. He starts by investigating your accident to find out what really happened. This involves gathering evidence, reviewing accident reports and other documentation, and interviewing witnesses. When needed, Jeff also consults accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
He also determines the total damages you have suffered as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses that have added up for treating your injury. It also includes the cost of any future treatment you’ll need for your injury. If you were unable to work because you were hurt, Jeff can seek lost wages. There may be other damages, such as pain and suffering.
When insurance companies see that Jeff has put work into the case and is prepared to fight, they usually agree to a settlement negotiation. But Jeff is not interested in a quick deal that helps them save money. Any settlement has to be one that meets your needs. If they won’t negotiate, he’ll be ready to fight for you in court.
Learn more about how an experienced car accident attorney can help you deal with insurance companies. Schedule a free consultation with Jeff Weinstein. Just contact us to set up a time. If you can’t make it into our Athens, TX office, Jeff can come to you.
How do I deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company in Texas?
When dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, avoid providing a recorded statement or signing anything without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to admit fault or accept a lowball settlement.
It’s best to let attorney Jeff Weinstein handle all communication with the insurance company so they can’t take advantage of you.
How do I protect myself from the insurance companies’ tactics?
While the insurance companies may try to use their tactics to reduce or deny your compensation, you can stay one step ahead of them by following these steps:
- Collect police reports, photos of the crash scene, and witness statements and contact information.
- Seek medical attention immediately, so your doctor can clearly document your injuries as crash-related.
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer. Let an attorney calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate for maximum compensation.
How long does an auto insurance company have to settle a claim in Texas?
In Texas, insurance companies are required to acknowledge a claim within 15 days of receiving it. After acknowledgment, they have an additional 15 days to investigate and either accept or deny the claim. If they accept, they must provide a payment within five days.
However, the timeline can be extended if the insurer requests more information. While this is the general rule, insurance companies often delay settlements. If you believe the insurance company is dragging its feet, attorney Jeff Weinstein can help you push for timely results and fair compensation.
How do you negotiate with an insurance company?
Negotiating with insurance companies requires solid evidence and an in-depth knowledge of personal injury law. Handling your claim alone can be risky. If you say the wrong thing or have any inconsistencies in your claim, it can hurt your chances of getting fairly compensated.
Attorney Jeff Weinstein has several years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and getting results for his clients. He won’t settle for anything less than you deserve. If the insurance companies can’t reach an agreement, he’ll be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for you in the courtroom.
When is “fully covered” not enough?
When insurance companies say you’re “fully covered,” that typically only applies to liability if you cause a collision. But what happens if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have car insurance or has inadequate coverage? If the crash isn’t your fault and you sustain injuries, you’ll need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for your damages.
In Texas, insurance companies must offer this coverage to you. You have the right to reject it in writing. However, without it, you could be left paying for medical bills and other expenses out of pocket. It’s highly recommended that you have this coverage in case the unexpected occurs.
Attorney Jeff Weinstein can help you understand your coverage and fight for the compensation you deserve after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver.