After a car collision in San Diego, most victims expect the at-fault driver's insurance to cover everything. However, things may not always be that simple! In several such accidents, multiple insurance companies may be involved. What if the involved driver was on the job or logged into a rideshare app? The affected vehicle can be leased or registered to a business.
It is a legal overlap of insurance policies, and can complicate claim processing. If you are stuck in such a situation, seeking the assistance of a seasoned car accident attorney is the only way out. Without expert legal help, obtaining proper compensation promptly will be difficult.
Understanding why insurance overlap happens in some car crash cases
San Diego has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and the road congestion is increasing over time. The county is also a tourist hub, which ensures a steady flow of rented vehicles. The rise of rideshare services and gig workers only add to the traffic chaos.
Let us look at a few examples.
During
peak hours, a company car may collide with a rented car hired by a tourist. A
family car may lose control on the highway, leading to a pile-up accident involving
different types of vehicles and drivers. Not all of these involved drivers are
insured by similar types of policies. The scope and coverage of these different
instance policies are varied. These include personal auto insurance, commercial
policies, and rideshare insurance, among others.
In such accidents, determining fault is as complex as making a proper claim. Without legal help, you may not be sure about which policy applies first or what policy limits apply. Your only savior is an experienced auto accident attorney San Diego.
What will your attorney do in such cases?
Your car accident lawyer will analyze the case nuances in detail before filing the claim.
- The first step is
identifying all applicable policies.
- The lawyer will
then determine the order of liability.
- They will deal
with the involved insurers.
The entire process requires in-depth legal expertise, experience, and strategic planning. Dealing with multiple insurers is never easy, and some may deny payment of the full amount, often using loopholes or citing a lack of proof. Seasoned attorneys explore various options to make the insurers see reason and provide their clients with the due compensation without much delay.
What can insurance firms do in such cases?
When insurance policies overlap in a car crash case, insurers attempt to avoid being the first to be involved in the claim. They may offer lowball settlements or use legal loopholes to make other insurers pay first, among other tactics. Dealing with such insurance firms will be tedious for you. Leave the task to a seasoned legal practitioner.
Summing it up
If
you've been involved in a car accident in San Diego that involves multiple
parties and insurance policies, don't get stressed out. It is not uncommon, and
you must hire a veteran lawyer with expertise in handling such complex cases.
Ensure you carefully assess the lawyer's credentials and check client reviews
before making a final decision.