What Happens When Multiple Insurance Companies Are Involved in a Colorado Car Accident Claim?

Any type of car accident claim in Colorado can come with challenges, especially if multiple insurance companies are involved. When this is the case, having a strong insurance claim after the accident is essential for getting the compensation you deserve. The good news is that you do not have to handle your multiple parties car accident claim on your own, as a car accident attorney in Colorado can help you with every step of this process. At The Law Offices of Edward Smith LLC, our collective years of experience in car accident cases have provided us with the necessary knowledge to ensure our clients get the best possible outcome for their case. Keep reading to find out how multiple insurance companies impact a car accident case in Colorado and how an attorney can help.

When Multiple Insurance Companies Become Involved

It isn’t unusual for multiple insurance companies to be involved in a car accident claim. And if this is the case for your situation, you should know what to expect. But before we discuss the common challenges you may face with these types of claims, here are some common examples of accidents where multiple insurance companies may be involved:

• Employer-owned vehicles
• Passenger injury claims
• Uninsured/uninsured motorist claims
• Rideshare accidents
• Multi-vehicle accidents

Why Multiple Insurance Companies Can Complicate a Claim

Any type of auto accident claim comes with unique challenges, depending on the circumstances. But when there are multiple insurance companies involved in the claim, there is even more room for error. With these types of claims, you may run into a variety of issues, such as:

• Different versions of how the accident occurred from multiple parties involved.
• Disputes over who holds fault.
• Multiple ongoing and competing insurance investigations.
• Insurance companies trying to shift responsibility to other insurers.
• Determining which insurance company is the first to pay, otherwise known as the primary insurer, in a two-vehicle accident.
• Disputes over the extent of property damage or medical treatment.

You should never try to navigate these issues on your own or try to file a complex car accident claim by yourself. A Colorado personal injury lawyer will have extensive experience with these types of cases and can help you proceed with confidence and peace of mind. They can also help you navigate any of these complications or avoid them altogether.

How Liability Is Evaluated When Several Parties May Be Responsible

In the state of Colorado, all drivers are required to carry third-party liability insurance coverage, which includes several minimums to help with things like injuries, property damage, uninsured/underinsured coverage, etc. Colorado also uses a fault-based system, which means that the driver who is determined to have caused the accident is responsible for compensating the victim. In instances where multiple parties are at fault, a percentage of fault will be assigned to each party. To determine who holds what percentage of fault, each insurance company will pursue its own investigation. This is why evidence is so important in these types of cases, as this will help to establish how the accident occurred and who was most negligent. Your attorney can gather evidence on your behalf to support your claim. They will also handle all communication for you since it is never a good idea to speak to insurance companies directly. Especially in cases involving multiple insurance companies, the risk of saying something different to each insurer is significant and could cause issues later on.

What Compensation May Be Available

Understanding insurance coverage after a car accident is something that many people find confusing, especially when there are multiple parties involved. The good news is that even though these cases are often more complex, they can also result in a more favorable settlement. In Colorado, you may be able to get compensation for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

When you work with an experienced car accident lawyer in Colorado, such as Ed Smith, you have a much better chance of getting a higher settlement. Your attorney can help identify all available insurance policies, as well as gather the necessary evidence to prove liability. For example, Ed Smith was able to identify and recover a $1 million umbrella policy for one of his clients that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

FAQ Section

Why would more than one insurance company be involved in a car accident claim?

Multiple insurance companies are usually involved when the accident includes more than one driver, vehicle owner, insurance policy, or employer. However, not all of these scenarios will result in a multi-insurance company claim, as it only applies to situations where multiple parties hold responsibility for the accident.

Can multiple insurance companies blame each other for the accident?

Yes, it isn’t uncommon for insurance companies to dispute fault and attempt to shift the blame to a different party or insurer.

Will having multiple insurance companies involved delay my claim?

Possibly. Multiple investigations and the likelihood of liability disputes can drag out claims, making them more time-consuming than simpler cases.

How can an attorney help when multiple insurers are involved?

An attorney can handle communication on your behalf, investigate liability, identify all of the available coverage, and ultimately negotiate on a fair settlement amount. Ed Smith is also a former insurance attorney with nearly 30 years of experience, which enables him to better assist his clients when they have an auto injury claim.

Get Legal Representation From a Colorado Car Accident Attorney Today

Dealing with multiple insurance claims after a car accident can feel very overwhelming, and there is a lot of room for error. That is why it is crucial that you work closely with a Longmont car accident lawyer to ensure you stand the best chance at getting the compensation you need to make a full recovery. At The Law Offices of Edward Smith LLC, our Colorado personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate every step of the claim process, working with you one-on-one when gathering evidence and proving liability. To work with an experienced car accident lawyer in Colorado, contact us today at 303-682-2944 for a free consultation.