BEST California Insurance Dispute Lawyers Near You

Dealing with an insurance company after an accident in California can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. Insurance companies often prioritize maximizing their profits, leaving you to deal with the financial fallout. As an “at-fault” state, California holds the driver responsible for causing the accident liable for the damages. If the driver has insurance coverage, their policy will generally cover the victim’s injuries and property damage, up to the policy limits. However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies frequently try to minimize their payouts. They may undervalue your claim, question the severity of your injuries, deny your claim entirely, or engage in bad faith tactics to avoid covering your medical bills and repair costs.

This complex process can be especially taxing when you’re focused on your recovery. Insurance claims lawyers in California, like those at Levinson Law Group, bring decades of combined experience in advocating for victims of accidents. With over 40 years of expertise, our skilled team provides invaluable legal support when negotiating with insurers who resist fairly compensating accident victims. We understand the common strategies insurers use to reduce or deny claims, particularly in car accidents. Our lawyers are dedicated to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve, whether through settlement negotiations or litigation.

Our attorneys leverage their extensive experience with uncooperative insurers to counter their tactics effectively, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery while we work to secure the financial compensation needed to cover your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. At Levinson Law Group, we’re committed to fighting for your rights and helping you navigate the complex insurance claims process.

On this page:
California Car Insurance Requirements | How Can An Insurance Claims Lawyer Help? | What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Use To Minimize Payouts? | What Is An Insurance Dispute Lawyer? | How Can I Protect My Right To Compensation From An Insurance Company? | Car Insurance Lawyer In California | Why Choose The Insurance Claims Lawyers Near You At Levinson Law Group

California Car Insurance Requirements

The most prevalent type of insurance claim in California is a motor vehicle accident claim. Like many other states, California mandates that drivers carry a minimum level of liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident they cause. Under California Insurance Code §11580.1b, the current minimum insurance requirements are as follows:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to multiple people
• $5,000 for property damage

These minimum requirements ensure that victims have some financial protection in case of an accident, helping to cover medical expenses and property damage caused by the at-fault driver.

However, starting January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107, the minimum liability limits for car insurance in California will increase. The new minimum insurance requirements will be:

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person
• $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people
• $15,000 for property damage

This increase aims to provide more substantial financial protection for accident victims in California, as well as to address the rising costs of medical care and vehicle repairs. However, even with the raised limits, drivers should consider purchasing additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, to provide enhanced protection, as the minimums may not be sufficient in more serious accidents.

While most California drivers opt for traditional automobile insurance to meet financial responsibility requirements, the state offers alternative insurance options for those who prefer not to purchase insurance from a provider. According to California’s automobile insurance laws, drivers can fulfill their financial responsibility by:

• Making a $35,000 cash deposit with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Obtaining a DMV-issued certificate of self-insurance
• Holding a $35,000 surety bond from a business licensed in California

These alternative methods provide flexibility while ensuring that drivers have enough coverage to protect others in case of an accident. If you’re unsure whether your current insurance plan meets California’s minimum requirements, or if you’re interested in understanding how additional insurance coverage can better protect you, don’t hesitate to contact a car insurance lawyer at Levinson Law Group. Our experienced team can review your insurance policy and ensure you’re fully protected under California’s laws.

How Can An Insurance Claims Lawyer Help?

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be an overwhelming experience, particularly when it comes to managing insurance claims. Many individuals mistakenly believe they can navigate this process alone without the assistance of an insurance claims lawyer. However, the process of reviewing insurance policies, understanding the fine print, and filing an accident claim can be complex and intentionally designed to be difficult. Having professional legal guidance during the insurance claims process can make a significant difference in achieving a fair outcome. An insurance claims lawyer from our team can help you understand your rights to compensation from the insurance company, advise you on the best course of action, and represent your interests to ensure a fair settlement. Consulting with a lawyer before engaging with insurance companies is a critical step in protecting yourself and securing the compensation you deserve.

Insurance claims lawyers offer specialized knowledge that is invaluable to clients navigating these challenging situations. They can help interpret complex policy language, identify bad faith practices by insurers, and advocate for fair treatment on your behalf. With their expertise, these lawyers can quickly recognize when an insurance company is attempting to minimize a claim, delay payment, or evade fulfilling its obligations.

An insurance claims lawyer near you from our team will work tirelessly to maximize your settlement and ensure you don’t accept less than what you’re rightfully entitled to. By consulting an experienced insurance claims lawyer, you gain a dedicated advocate who can manage the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on recovering and moving forward after an accident.

What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Use To Minimize Payouts?

Insurance companies often employ two primary tactics to dispute or undermine accident claims, particularly when they know the victim hasn’t yet consulted a car insurance attorney. They understand that once an accident victim enlists an insurance claims lawyer, these tactics lose their effectiveness. A skilled attorney will ensure the client’s rights are protected and prevent the insurance company from unfairly limiting their liability. The two most common tactics used to undermine insurance claims include:

Written and Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters frequently ask accident victims to provide written or recorded statements to “verify what happened.” These statements might include California police reports, witness statements, or personal accounts of the accident. The goal of this tactic is to lock victims into a specific set of facts, which can later be used against them to dispute their claim. Consulting a car insurance attorney before providing any statement can help you avoid making remarks that might negatively affect your case.

Releases and Waivers

Insurance adjusters may also request that you sign medical releases or liability waivers under the guise of needing “verification” of your injuries. However, this is another common tactic used to undermine insurance claims. By signing a release, you may inadvertently grant the insurance company broad access to your medical history, allowing them to search for pre-existing conditions, which they can use to challenge the validity of your claim. Signing a release or waiver without consulting a car insurance lawyer may also prevent you from seeking further compensation if your injuries end up being more severe than initially believed.

What Is An Insurance Dispute Lawyer?

An insurance dispute lawyer from Levinson Law Group is a dedicated legal professional who helps clients resolve disputes with their insurance companies and secure the compensation they deserve. Our California bad faith insurance attorneys step in to protect clients’ rights when insurers:

• Deny claims
• Underpay on claims
• Act in bad faith

An insurance dispute lawyer from our team is experienced in handling a wide range of disputes, including auto insurance, health insurance, property damage, and more. Hiring an insurance dispute lawyer as soon as your claim is disputed by the insurance company or when they undervalue your claim can significantly impact the final outcome. Our skilled lawyers assist clients throughout the claims process, from managing disputes with the insurer to reconstructing accident scenes when necessary, and working towards establishing fair resolutions. With our experienced team on your side, we’ll advocate for a fair settlement, ensuring our clients aren’t left to navigate complex disputes alone.

How Can I Protect My Right To Compensation From An Insurance Company?

To protect yourself from insurance companies attempting to undermine or deny your claim for compensation in California, it’s essential to take proactive steps right from the start, beginning immediately after the accident occurs. Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize their payouts to accident victims. Being aware of these tactics can help you avoid common mistakes that can weaken your claim. By staying diligent and cautious after you’ve been injured in an accident, you can help strengthen your claim, ensuring your rights are protected and positioning yourself to receive the compensation you deserve. Taking these protective measures can make a significant difference in preventing the insurance company from undervaluing or disputing your claim.

Report the Accident in a Timely Manner

Notify local law enforcement immediately if there are injuries or significant property damage. This is not just a recommendation—it’s required by California law. Be sure to also report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to ensure your claim is processed promptly. Failing to report the accident right away could result in a denial of your claim.

Gather All Available Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible to support your insurance claim for compensation and demonstrate that you were not at fault for the accident. Necessary evidence can include:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Photographs of the accident scene and damages
• Video footage
• Accident reconstructionist reports
• Detailed medical records

Having strong evidence makes it much harder for the insurance company to dispute your claim.

Know the Types of Compensation Available

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the types of compensation you may be entitled to, such as economic damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Consulting a car insurance attorney can help you accurately calculate your insurance claim’s value and ensure you don’t miss out on what you deserve.

Negotiate Your Settlement

The first rule in insurance claims is to never accept the first offer. Initial settlement offers from insurance adjusters are often low and don’t adequately cover the costs associated with your injuries. Instead of accepting the first offer, consult with an insurance attorney from our team who can evaluate the offer, advise you on the true value of your claim, and help you negotiate for a fair settlement.

Consult a Lawyer for Help

To maximize your car accident settlement, consult with experienced car insurance attorneys like those at Levinson Law Group. We can guide you through the process of building a strong claim, negotiating effectively with insurance adjusters, and representing you in court if necessary.

Car Insurance Lawyer In California

A car insurance lawyer from Levinson Law Group can provide essential support and guidance after you’ve been injured or your car has been damaged in a car accident. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex insurance claims process with confidence. From evaluating the details of your car insurance policy to gathering crucial evidence and negotiating with insurers on your behalf, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and maximize your settlement.

Whether you’re facing underpayment, delays in the claims process, or even an outright claim denial, a Levinson Law Group car insurance lawyer in California will fight for fair treatment. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Why Choose The Insurance Claims Lawyers Near You At Levinson Law Group

Our experienced car insurance lawyers at Levinson Law Group understand the tactics that many insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Choosing a car insurance lawyer from Levinson Law Group in California means having a team with insider knowledge of the insurance industry on your side.

Gordon R. Levinson, the founder of Levinson Law Group, spent years working as a lawyer for some of the largest insurance companies in the country before dedicating his practice to helping accident victims. His unique experience within the insurance industry has given him valuable insight into how these companies handle accident claims, equipping him with the strategies needed to successfully challenge their tactics. By choosing a California insurance lawyer at Levinson Law Group, you’re putting that expertise to work for your case, ensuring that you have seasoned legal advocates who understand how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Levinson Law Group is known as one of the best car insurance lawyers in California. Our team of lawyers, who sue insurance companies on behalf of accident victims, works tirelessly to hold these companies accountable when they refuse to fairly compensate victims. Insurance companies often attempt to underpay claims, delay payments, or deny claims altogether. With Gordon Levinson’s extensive experience on both sides of the insurance claim process, he and his team can quickly identify these tactics and push back effectively, ensuring their clients are treated fairly. When you choose Levinson Law Group, you’re partnering with experienced legal professionals who are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact us today at 760-388-6480 to start fighting for the compensation you deserve.