The Role of Insurance in Personal Injury Cases

Accidents happen, and when they do, insurance companies are required to act in good faith to process your claim appropriately and comply with the terms of the policy. Despite Georgia law stating that insurers acting in bad faith can be subject to penalties, some companies do not fulfill their duties to injured customers.

Knowing what the role of insurance in personal injury cases can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident with more confidence, and staying informed on what’s expected of an insurance company may keep you from being taken advantage of when filing a claim.

Insurance and Personal Injury Cases in Georgia

Georgia requires all drivers to have liability coverage, which pays for other drivers’ damages caused by the insured driver. The minimum policy limits on liability insurance are:

· $25,000 body injury per person

· $50,000 body injury per accident

· $25,000 property damage per accident

Physical damage insurance, sometimes referred to as comprehensive coverage or collision insurance, helps pay for damage to the insured driver’s vehicle. Comprehensive covers accident damage and other non-collision damage from events like vandalism or theft.

Even though liability insurance is required in Georgia, some drivers still drive without any car insurance. Uninsured motorist insurance would cover damage to your vehicle or injuries if an uninsured driver caused an accident.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Personal Injury Accident

When you file an insurance claim, a claims adjuster will likely be the point of contact at the insurance company as they try to assess the damage. This process typically starts with the following steps:

· The adjuster will gather documentation like police reports.

· They will conduct an investigation into things like past personal injury claims and preexisting conditions.

· They will contact you and ask if they can record the conversation.

· The adjuster will request medical bills, tax returns, and other documents related to your claim.

All of these tasks are intended to help the insurance company determine fault and calculate the value of your accident claim. When they determine a settlement value, they may not offer you that amount. Often, the adjustor will start with a lower amount in order to save the company money.

Is a Lawyer Required When Dealing with Insurance Companies?

You are not required to have legal representation when communicating and negotiating with insurance companies after a personal injury accident. However, before you make a decision about whether or not you want a lawyer for this process, there are a few things to keep in mind:

· The insurance company has multiple lawyers on their side.

· Insurers are for-profit companies that are only interested in their bottom line.

· Calculating the value of an accident claim is complex, and a second opinion you can trust is invaluable.

· Negotiating with an insurance company takes time and energy that is better spent recovering from your accident. When you work with The CP Law Group, we will deal with the insurance company and ensure your claim is handled in good faith. Call us at 844-546-4878 (that’s 844-5-IM-HURT) or reach out on social media to @TheCPLawGroup to schedule a free consultation.