Piering Law Firm
Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Insurance Claims

Third-Party Insurance Claims

A common question we receive from our clients during an initial consultation is: “I’ve been injured in an accident in my friend’s car (or at my friend’s house). I don’t want to sue my friend. Are there any options that can help me get back on my feet? I’ve suffered a lot as a result of this injury.”

It’s important that you know the following: we almost never take money out of the pockets of individual people, whether they are friends of yours or strangers. We get compensation from an insurance company, or from a corporation that employs the person who caused the injury. We will always discuss with you what impact, if any, the pursuit of your case will have on your friend. You can then make your own decision as to whether to proceed with your case.

In cases where you or a loved one has been injured in a friend’s car (or while on a friend’s property), depending on the circumstances of the accident, another person’s insurance carrier may be required to compensate you for your injuries. The lawyers at Piering Law Firm have extensive familiarity with third-party insurance claims and have even been asked to speak to other lawyers about how best to handle these claims.

California insurance claims can be broken into two main categories:

1. A “first party insurance claim” is a claim you make concerning your own insurance coverage. Examples would be: a claim to fix your car, made under your own auto collision coverage; a disability insurance claim made under your own policy; an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim made under your own auto insurance; or a health insurance claim submitted under your Blue Cross or Blue Shield Insurance.

2. A “third party insurance claim” is one pursued against the insurance company of a person or business which has harmed you. Examples would be: a personal injury claim for damages you make against the insurance company of a car that hit you in the crosswalk or a personal injury claim against a drug company that manufactured a medicine which caused you physical problems.

California insurance law is quite complex, and it is important to contact a competent attorney if you have been seriously injured. Because the general public is typically not well-informed about third-party claims, insurance providers will sometimes deny responsibility for these claims or offer much smaller settlement amounts than injured people are entitled to. An attorney in our office can help you stand up for your rights.

Contact the Piering Law Firm to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation. All cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, meaning there is no legal fee charged until we recover for you. Talk with an ethical and dedicated lawyer committed to your recovery. We will be with you all the way. We are available to speak with you 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with home and weekend appointments when necessary.