Roderick C. Lopez | November 28, 2024 | Car Accidents
If another driver caused your car accident in Laredo, you may have a claim against that driver for economic and non-economic damages. While you can sue the driver in civil court, most car accident claims are settled with the driver’s liability insurance company. Texas requires drivers to have minimum amounts of automobile insurance coverage.
Two popular automobile insurance companies are Liberty Mutual Insurance and Safeco Insurance. Liberty Mutual purchased Safeco 16 years ago, making it a part of the Liberty Mutual Group. Safeco remains an independent company as a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual.
The Accident Claims Process
Both insurance companies have online claims departments where you can file car accident claims. Safeco provides online filing and claims tracking. The company claims it takes less than 10 minutes to file a claim and offers fast self-service capabilities.
Liberty Mutual has a similar website for filing and tracking claims. The company states that it makes it fast and easy to file a claim online.
Even though both companies promise an easy, quick process to settle claims, people complain about various aspects of the accident claims process.
Common complaints about car accident insurance claims include:
- Poor customer service, including representatives being unhelpful and unresponsive
- Delays in the claims process result in lengthy wait times for settling car accident claims
- Denials of claims without written explanations
- Unsatisfactory settlement offers (i.e., offers lower than the value of damages)
- Disputes regarding property damage assessments
- Problems with the claims adjuster handling the claim
- Unjust allegations of comparative fault
- Misrepresentation of the policy terms or the law
J.D. Power’s 2024 Auto Insurance Study ranks customer satisfaction on a 1,000-point scale. In Texas, Liberty Mutual ranks near the bottom, scoring 617 out of 1,000. In the Central Region of the U.S., Safeco scored 621 out of 1,000, and Liberty Mutual scored 616 out of 1,000.
Each car accident claim is unique. However, you can typically expect the insurance company to fight your claim.
Assigning a Claims Adjuster
When you file a car accident claim, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to handle your claim. The adjuster investigating your claim may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. Agreeing to a recorded statement is not in your best interest.
It is essential to be careful when speaking with an insurance adjuster. Their job is to protect the insurance company by minimizing your claim. Therefore, adjusters search for ways to deny or undervalue claims, including twisting your words to imply you caused the accident or are partially to blame for the accident.
It is advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer about the accident before you speak with a claims adjuster. An attorney will evaluate your claim, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the process to protect your best interests.
Determining Fault
The claims adjuster determines whether the insured caused the accident. If the adjuster determines the insured caused the accident, they will assess your damages and make a settlement offer. Do not feel pressured to accept a settlement offer, especially if you are still being treated for accident injuries.
Negotiating an Insurance Settlement
The initial settlement offer is usually lower than the value of your claim. You can counteroffer for a higher amount. Having strong evidence and documentation of your damages increases your negotiating power.
Trusting the insurance adjuster to tell you whether an offer is fair is unwise. If you are unsure how much your claim is worth or what damages you are entitled to receive, talk with an attorney immediately. If you accept a personal injury settlement offer and sign a settlement agreement, you waive your right to sue the driver and other parties for damages.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Laredo, TX
Most car accident claims are settled through negotiations with the insurance company. When negotiations fail, your only option is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. You have the burden of proving in court that the driver caused the crash and the crash resulted in your injuries and damages.
Get Help From a Laredo Car Accident Lawyer With Your Car Accident Claim
Filing claims with Liberty Mutual Insurance and Safeco Insurance is not always “quick and easy” as the companies promise. Accident claims can be complicated and involve multiple parties. Disputes about liability and damages may require litigation.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer increases your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. Schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case.
Contact the Laredo Personal Injury Attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers. Call Us at (956) 529-7336
If you were injured in an accident in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo Car Accident lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
We are located in Laredo, TX, proudly serving Webb County and surrounding areas. We are located in Laredo, Texas.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
