BEST California Insurance Dispute Lawyers Near You

Dealing with an insurance company after an accident in California can be a frustrating experience, as these companies tend to prioritize maximizing their profits over supporting you financially. California operates as an “at-fault” state, which means the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. If the driver has insurance coverage, they will be responsible for paying for the victim’s injuries and damages up to their client’s policy limits. However, insurance companies often look for ways to minimize their payouts. They may undervalue your claim, undermine the severity of your injuries, deny your claim altogether, or act in bad faith to avoid covering the cost of your medical expenses and property damage. Navigating this process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on recovering from your injuries.

At Levinson Law Group, our California insurance claims lawyers near you bring over 40 years of combined experience to each case. We offer skilled legal guidance when handling insurance claims and negotiating with companies that resist fairly compensating our clients after they were injured in an accident. We understand the tactics insurers often use to reduce or deny claims, especially following car accidents in California, and we are committed to fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve. Our team’s extensive experience in dealing with uncooperative insurance companies allows us to effectively counter these strategies, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we work to secure the financial support you need.

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 common type of insurance claim in California is a motor vehicle accident claim. Like many other states, California law requires that drivers carry a minimum level of liability insurance to cover damages in case they cause an accident. As per California Insurance Code §11580.1b, the current minimum insurance requirements are:

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

These minimum insurance requirements ensure that there is at least some coverage available for victims in the event of an accident.

However, starting January 1, 2025, the minimum liability limits for car insurance in California will increase under Senate Bill 1107. 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 in minimum requirements is aimed at providing more substantial financial protection for accident victims in California, as well as reflecting the rising costs of medical care and vehicle repairs. Nonetheless, even with these increased insurance limits, drivers should consider purchasing additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, to protect themselves more, as the minimums may not be sufficient in more severe accidents.

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

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

These alternative car insurance options provide flexibility for drivers while ensuring that they have sufficient coverage to protect others in case of an accident. If you’re uncertain whether your insurance plan meets California’s minimum requirements, or are wondering about how additional insurance can help you, don’t hesitate to reach out to a car insurance lawyer near you at Levinson Law Group. We can review your policy and ensure you’re fully protected under the law.

How Can An Insurance Claims Lawyer Help?

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to handling insurance claims. Many people believe they can manage this process on their own without the assistance of an insurance claims lawyer. However, going through the process of reviewing insurance policies and filing an accident claim can be complex, which is how insurance companies design their processes. Having professional legal guidance during the insurance claims proceedings can make a significant difference. 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 to take, and represent your interests to ensure a fair outcome. Consulting a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies can be important in protecting yourself and securing the compensation you deserve.

Insurance claims lawyers bring specialized knowledge to the table, helping clients interpret complex policy language, spot bad faith practices by insurers, and advocate for fair treatment. With their experience, these lawyers can often identify when an insurance company is attempting to minimize a claim, delay payment, or otherwise avoid fulfilling its obligations.

An insurance claims lawyer near you from our team will work diligently to maximize your settlement and prevent you from accepting less than what you’re entitled to. By consulting an insurance claims lawyer, you gain a strong advocate who can handle 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 commonly use two main tactics to dispute or undermine accident claims, especially when they know they are dealing with individuals who haven’t yet consulted a car insurance attorney. They know that once an accident victim has an insurance claim attorney on their side, these tactics are far less effective, as the attorney will protect the client’s rights and prevent the insurance company from limiting liability unfairly. The two most common tactics used to undermine insurance claims are:

• Written and Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters often ask accident victims to provide written or recorded statements to “verify what happened.” Written or recorded statements can be California police reports, witness statements, etc. This tactic is designed to use written or recorded statements to lock victims into a specific set of facts, which can then be used against them later to dispute the claim. Consulting a car insurance attorney first can help you avoid making statements that might harm your case.
• Releases and Waivers – Adjusters for insurance companies may ask you to sign medical releases or liability waivers under the pretense of needing “verification” of injuries, but this is another tactic used to undermine insurance claims. These records releases can grant the insurance company broad access to your medical history, allowing them to search for pre-existing conditions, which they will use to challenge your claim. Signing a release or waiver without consulting a car insurance lawyer may also prevent you from seeking further compensation if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially believed.

What Is An Insurance Dispute Lawyer?

An insurance dispute lawyer near you at Levinson Law Group is a legal professional dedicated to helping clients resolve disputes with their insurance companies and secure the compensation they deserve. Our California bad faith insurance attorneys step in to protect our client’s rights when insurers:

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

An insurance dispute lawyer from our team will handle a range of disputes involving auto insurance, health insurance, property damage, and more.

Hiring an insurance dispute lawyer as soon as your claim has been disputed by the insurance company, or they undervalue your claim, can make a big difference in the overall outcome. Our lawyers are able to assist our clients throughout the claims process, from handling disputes with the insurance company to reconstructing accident scenes when necessary, and working to establish fair resolutions. With our experienced team on your side, we will 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, meaning right after the accident occurs. Insurance companies often use various methods to minimize what they have to pay out to an accident victim, and being aware of this can help you avoid common mistakes victims make. By being diligent and cautious after you’ve been injured in an accident, you can help strengthen your claim, making sure that your rights are protected and that you’re positioned 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 isn’t simply a recommendation, as reporting the accident is required by California law. Promptly report the accident to your insurance company as well to make sure your claim is processed as soon as possible. Failing to report the accident right away may lead to denial of your claim.
• Gather All Available Evidence – Collect as much evidence as possible to support your insurance claim for compensation, and prove you weren’t liable for it. Necessary evidence can include:
  • The police report
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Photographs of the accident scene and damages
  • Video footage
  • Accident reconstructionist reports
  • Detailed medical records

  Strong evidence makes it harder for the insurance company to dispute your claim.

• Know the Types of Compensation Available – We recommend that you 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.
• 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 come close to covering the costs associated with your injuries. Instead of accepting the first offer, make sure to consult with an insurance attorney from our team who can assess 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 near you 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. We are here to help you navigate the complex insurance claims process with confidence. From evaluating the details of your car insurance policy to gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers on your behalf, our team works diligently to protect your rights and maximize your settlement. Whether you’re facing underpayment, delays in the claims process, or an outright claim denial, a Levinson Law Group car insurance lawyer in California will advocate for fair treatment, allowing 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 understand the tactics most insurance companies often use to minimize or deny claims, and we are dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Choosing a car insurance lawyer at Levinson Law Group in California means having a team of lawyers with insider knowledge of the insurance industry on your side with unique. 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 experience working within the insurance industry has given him valuable insight into how these companies handle accident claims, which has equipped him with the strategies needed to successfully challenge their tactics. By choosing a California insurance lawyer at Levinson Law Group, we’re putting that knowledge 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 seek to underpay claims, delay payments, or deny claims outright. With Gordon Levinson’s extensive experience on both sides of the insurance claim process, he and his team can identify these tactics and push back effectively, making sure that their clients are treated fairly. When you choose Levinson Law Group, you’re partnering with experienced legal professionals who are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today at 760-388-6480.