Auto insurance claims can be difficult to manage after an accident. Most insurance carriers require policyholders to report accidents within 24 hours of them occurring. If you need to file a claim for an accident, you likely only have a few days to do so. Liberty Mutual is one of the most popular auto insurance carriers in the US, and the company offers several options for filing claims.
If you have been in an accident in California, it’s vital to not only know how to approach an accident claim, but also what to expect when it comes to dealing with Liberty Mutual specifically.
Leading auto insurance carriers like Liberty Mutual have strong reputations for customer service and positive interactions with claimants. However, it is always best to consult a car accident attorney before filing an auto insurance claim. The at-fault driver may contest liability, or their policy may not fully compensate for your losses. In these situations, your attorney can help you determine the best next steps to take to recover as much compensation as possible for your damages.
First Steps After a Car Accident in California
California enforces several laws that come into play after a car accident. The first is the legal requirement to report any accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Always report accidents to the police if anyone is hurt, regardless of who is at fault. If you fail to report an accident to the police when required, you could face several legal penalties and even criminal prosecution.
The second important rule is California’s fault standard when it comes to liability for an accident. You must determine who caused the accident. If the other driver is responsible, you have the right to file an insurance claim against their auto insurance policy. Every driver must carry auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements:
- $15,000 or more for bodily injury liability coverage for a single person injured in an accident the policyholder caused.
- $30,000 or more for bodily injury liability coverage for all persons injured in an accident the policyholder caused.
- $5,000 or more in property damage liability coverage for vehicle repair costs caused by the policyholder.
It is also strongly advised for all drivers to have under insured/uninsured driver coverage. The aforementioned three types of liability coverage apply when a policyholder causes an accident. Under insured and uninsured driver coverage applies to your own policy when an at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
If another driver caused an accident with your vehicle, you must file a claim against their auto insurance policy. However, you must also notify your own insurance company about the accident within 24 hours of the accident. The at-fault driver will need to notify their insurance carrier, and you will likely need to call them as well. However, it is best to notify the insurer of the accident but wait to actually file your claim until you have spoken with an attorney.
How Can an Auto Accident Attorney in California Help?
It’s understandable to have lots of questions after a personal injury, especially a car accident that requires a tedious insurance claim process. Having reliable legal counsel on your side in this situation can be tremendously helpful. Your attorney will not only assist you with your insurance claim, but also help you explore further legal options when insurance isn’t enough to fully cover your losses.
While Liberty Mutual offers several claim submission options and is generally helpful to claimants, they are an insurance company. This means their profitability hinges on denying claims or reducing settlements whenever possible. Having an attorney assist you with your claim will significantly reduce the chances of encountering any unfair pushback against your claim. Your attorney can carefully review the terms of the at-fault driver’s policy and your own insurance coverage to help you secure as much compensation as possible through the insurance claim process. If available coverage cannot fully cover your losses, they can help you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
FAQs About Filing an Auto Insurance Claim with Liberty Mutual in California
How Do I Make a Claim with Liberty Mutual in California?
If you need to file an auto insurance claim with Liberty Mutual, you can do so over the phone, online, or by using their mobile application. However, if another driver caused your accident and they have a Liberty Mutual policy, they must inform them within 24 hours of the accident, and Liberty Mutual may reach out to you to discuss your claim. Politely inform them you need to discuss the matter with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement and ask how long you have to file your claim.
How Do Liberty Mutual Claims Work?
You must provide the basic details of your accident to Liberty Mutual and as much information as possible, such as photos of the accident and your injuries. You can submit these materials with your claim forms, and Liberty Mutual will assign a claim adjuster to handle your claim. They may contact you to request additional information.
Is Liberty Mutual Good at Paying Auto Insurance Claims?
Liberty Mutual has earned top scores for client satisfaction and claim payouts. If you must file a claim with Liberty Mutual after an auto accident, you can generally expect a straightforward and easy claim process. However, it is always best to have an attorney assist you with any auto insurance claim.
How Fast Does Liberty Mutual Pay Claims?
It can take an average of about ten weeks to reach a settlement for an auto insurance claim through Liberty Mutual. Once settlement is reached, it can take another few weeks before the claimant receives their settlement check. If you are concerned about the potential timetable of your auto insurance claim, having an attorney assist you with the claim can streamline the process.
Conclusion
If you have recently experienced an accident caused by another driver, you need to obtain their insurance details immediately so you can begin the claim process. You have a limited time in which to file a claim with Liberty Mutual, and it’s best to consult a Sacramento car accident attorney as soon as possible if you want to maximize your claim payout.
The Kreeger Law Firm has years of experience dealing with leading auto insurance carriers, including Liberty Mutual. If you need to discuss a recent car accident with an experienced lawyer, contact us today and schedule a consultation.
