If you were involved in a preventable car accident in Tennessee, you may have to deal with Auto-Owners Insurance if the at-fault driver carries a policy with that company. While you might expect them to handle your claim fairly, the truth is that they want to make a profit at the expense of everything else.
Learning about how Auto-Owners handles accident claims can help you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes. Read on for the information you should know about, and set up a free case review with an attorney if you need legal help.
What Is the Role of Auto-Owners in a Car Accident Insurance Claim?
Tennessee follows an “at-fault” car insurance system. This means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying for the harm they caused. If that driver is insured by Auto-Owners, they will step in to manage the claim on the driver’s behalf.
An insurance adjuster will usually review all of the available information to decide who caused the accident and how much the claim may be worth. Keep in mind that the insurance company is focused on limiting its liability, however, not maximizing your financial recovery.
What Damages Can I Recover Through an Auto-Owners Claim?
If you prove the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover several types of damages under Tennessee law. These damages are meant to cover both financial losses and the personal impact of the accident.
Compensation in an Auto-Owners accident claim may include economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD and other conditions
- Loss of quality of life
The amount you recover will depend on how strong your evidence is and how clearly fault can be shown.
How Settlement Decisions Are Evaluated
Auto-Owners will not automatically agree to pay the full value of your claim. Instead, the adjuster will analyze the risks involved in disputing it based on factors like:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- Whether liability is in question, and to what extent
- How consistent your medical records are
If the insurer believes you might win more in court, they may be more willing to negotiate. Otherwise, they may offer a lower settlement and wait to see if you challenge it.
When a Lawsuit May Be Necessary
Most Auto-Owners claims are resolved through negotiations, but not all of them. You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.
Once a lawsuit is filed, both sides can gather more evidence through the discovery process. This may kick off further settlement negotiations, and, if those still fail, bringing the matter all the way to trial may be required.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer With Woodard Injury Law for Help
Handling an accident claim against a large insurance company can feel impossible when you’re dealing with injuries and mounting financial losses. An experienced car accident lawyer with Woodard Injury Law deal with Auto-Owners on your behalf and work to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive.
Call us for a free consultation today at (615) 880-6126. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients so far and are ready to get to work for you as well.