Anybody know insurance?

[wynand32]

We live in California.

So, my wife was in an accident and her Pilot was totaled. Right now, the insurance companies are in the process of assigning fault.

The other party has retained an attorney and all communication with our insurance has to go through him/her. It’s looking like a portion of the fault will be assigned to my wife.

Are there any attorneys, claims adjusters, or anyone with good knowledge about this stuff? Any way to make sure the insurance company is fighting hard enough? Should we retain our own attorney for the process?

Thanks in advance.

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[MiamiGT350]

The only party you should be communicating with is your own insurance company. Have you been speaking to their attorney?

 

[sirben711]

But seriously, because they are getting an attorney it would probably be wise to do the same.. While I am curious what happened, it would probably be smart not to post details about the incident on here until its resolved.

I hope you wife is doing well.

 

[wynand32]

The only party you should be communicating with is your own insurance company. Have you been speaking to their attorney?

No, we're only talking to our insurance adjuster. Their insurance company tried to talk to her, but we told them to talk to our company.

 

[wynand32]

But seriously, because they are getting an attorney it would probably be wise to do the same.. While I am curious what happened, it would probably be smart not to post details about the incident on here until its resolved.

I hope you wife is doing well.

My wife and her mom, also in the car, are fine, thankfully. The miracle of modern engineering.

We're not sure why she retained an attorney, but we're looking for one.

 

[sirben711]

When my car was totaled - it was 100% not my fault. I was rear ended on the highway. But even though the police report blamed the person that hit me - I still wish I would have had someone on my side because dealing with their insurance was an absolute nightmare.

 

[Inthehighdesert]

I completely understand this point of view. Thst said, would you of been ok giving a lawyer 40%.

When my car was totaled - it was 100% not my fault. I was rear ended on the highway. But even though the police report blamed the person that hit me - I still wish I would have had someone on my side because dealing with their insurance was an absolute nightmare.

 

[wynand32]

I completely understand this point of view. Thst said, would you of been ok giving a lawyer 40%.

I wonder if a lawyer wouldn't charge by the hour on something like this, where there may not be a distinct settlement.

 

[sirben711]

I completely understand this point of view. Thst said, would you of been ok giving a lawyer 40%.

Yes. Honestly, I should have sued this guy into oblivion - it was that bad.

 

[Inthehighdesert]

Generally speaking most on that side of the equation(plaintiff’s attorney’s) operate purely on a contingency. Attorney’s that are on retainer for business’s for example will bill by the hour. I spent several decades in thr collission/paint and body industry as a shop owner. It’s crazy how so many these days get lawyers involved in basic traffic accidents amd find out the hard way what that actual costs them. I’m not referring to incidents with severe injuries or where deaths have occured. There is definitely a time and a place for an attorney. Most will have a conversation/consultation without any cost. The trick is finding one in your area that is good at there job. Unfortunately a law degree has pretty much zero indication in competency.

I wonder if a lawyer wouldn't charge by the hour on something like this, where there may not be a distinct settlement.

 

[Balr14]

Your insurance company is going settle for whatever costs them the least. That is often not in your best interest. Attorneys typically charge 1/3 of the settlement plus costs, depending on the state.

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