The Truth About Insurance Evaluations in California Car Accident Claims

By Timothy Hobbs

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Car Accidents

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Last Modified on Jan 09, 2026

The insurance claims process after a car accident can be difficult to navigate. California’s car accident laws are challenging enough to understand on their own. Add in the task of dealing with insurance agents, and the situation gets even more complex. Luckily, an experienced attorney can help as you go through insurance evaluations in California car accident claims. Hobbs Law Group can assert your rights and see that you’re treated fairly.

The Insurance Evaluations Process After a Car Accident in California

After you’ve been in a car accident, you need to take quick action to protect yourself and your car accident claim. Of course, your first steps after a crash should be calling the police and getting your injuries looked at, but then it’s time to think about the insurance evaluation process.

• Reporting the accident: While you have a two-year statute of limitations to file a car accident case, your insurance policy may require you report the accident to them as soon as possible.
• Within 15 days of the report: Your insurer has 15 days to acknowledge the report, provide you with any forms you need to fill out, and begin its investigation.
• Within 40 days of receiving proof of loss: Forty days after receiving proof of loss in your claim, your insurance must approve or deny the claim. If there are any reasonable delays, they must inform you every 30 days with an update.
• Within 30 days of approval: Within 30 days of your claim’s approval, the insurance company must issue payment.

Myths About Car Accident Insurance Claims

Your California car accident attorney can tell you that there are several misconceptions and myths about the insurance claims process. Some misunderstandings or inaccuracies that people believe about insurance evaluations include:

• Your rates automatically go up: The fact is, most insurers won’t raise your rates if you weren’t at fault.
• You can’t recover compensation if you share fault: In California, you can recover compensation based on your percentage of fault, even if you’re almost entirely responsible.
• Your insurance company is on your side: Your insurance company is on its own side, and its goal is to pay as little as possible.

Why Insurance Companies Deny Claims

In 2024, 4.16% of insurance policyholders filed collision claims, but many of those claims were denied. There are numerous reasons why insurance companies deny claims. Common reasons for denial include:

• Your policy doesn’t cover the type of accident.
• You failed to report the accident in time.
• You didn’t seek medical attention right away.
• The insurer claims you had pre-existing injuries.
• There isn’t enough evidence.

Knowing why insurance adjusters often deny claims lets you prepare your case ahead of time; that way, you can provide all the necessary information well before any deadlines. An attorney can handle the claims process to protect your rights.

How Hobbs Law Group Can Help With Insurance Claims

The award-winning attorneys at Hobbs Law Group can handle your insurance claim. Adjusters know they can’t get away with lowball offers or underhanded tricks when you have an experienced attorney by your side. Our lawyers have received numerous awards and recognitions, including recognition among the Top 10 Personal Injury Verdicts.

We can conduct our own investigation into your crash, allowing us to negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement offer. Additionally, we can push back against unnecessary delays, underpaid claims, and unfair denials. Our team can work hard to pursue the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

What Should You Not Say to a Claims Adjuster?

When speaking to a claims adjuster, there are a few things you should never say. For one, don’t admit to fault, as your compensation is tied to your percentage of fault. Also, avoid giving recorded statements. When you do speak with an adjuster, stick to the facts. Don’t try to guess what might have happened, and definitely do not lie.

How Do Insurers Determine Who Was at Fault?

Insurers determine who was at fault by reviewing all the evidence available. They look at:

• Police reports
• Surveillance videos
• Photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved

They’ll also review witness statements and reconstruct the accident to see how the vehicles collided. Insurers also consider state laws and traffic control methods in the area.

Does Hiring a Lawyer Change How Insurance Adjusters Evaluate Claims in California?

Oftentimes, a lawyer can impact how insurance adjusters evaluate claims. When an adjuster is dealing with an experienced attorney, they know they likely cannot get away with lowball settlement offers. Similarly, they’re far less likely to engage in bad faith practices, like unnecessarily delaying your case or unfairly denying it.

What Are the Three Most Common Mistakes to Make on a Claim That Will Cause Denials?

The three most common mistakes to make on a claim that could cause denials are:

• Failing to seek medical attention
• Admitting fault
• Failing to file your claim in time

By not getting medical attention, you’re suggesting that the accident might not have been as severe as it seems. Admitting fault can reduce your compensation. Additionally, your policy likely has deadlines for filing claims, and delays could mean you lose your right to compensation.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Help With Your Insurance Claim

When you need to file an insurance claim after a crash, hire a car accident lawyer to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Insurance companies are more concerned with their bottom line than giving you the settlement you deserve. Don’t let an adjuster take advantage of you.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us explain how we can help. Hobbs Law Group knows the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying out on a claim, but our attorneys can advocate for you while pursuing what you deserve. We can investigate the crash, negotiate with the insurance company, and work to prevent the adjuster from exploiting you.

*Each award has different selection criteria, and they do not guarantee a specific result in your case.