Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has hit Southern California and all of its counties extremely hard. Whether you are in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or San Diego County, all of our communities are dealing with the effects of COVID-19 cases.

Since the outbreak, there have been many questions from clients and law firms regarding what kind of impact the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will have on personal injury cases. While the situation continues to change from day to day, this post explores the current status of affairs concerning personal injury claims and the claims process.

Are California Insurance Companies Still Paying Personal Injury Claims Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic?

The California Insurance Code (or CIC) is the body of rules that California insurance companies must follow when conducting business in the state. One of the obligations imposed by the CIC under §790.03 is that an insurance agency must investigate promptly, process, and pay insurance claims. This rule applies regardless of if the coverage is for car insurance/auto insurance, medical insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, or renters insurance.

The California Department of Insurance has notified insurance companies that they are still required investigate promptly, process, and pay claims during the COVID-19 crisis.

Specifically, on March 18, 2020, the California Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara issued a “NOTICE RE: Insurance Company Obligations to Comply with Insurance Laws during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak.” The notice states, “In response to the disruption caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara strongly encourages all insurance companies and other Department licensees to take steps during the crisis necessary to maintain their ability to process and pay insurance claims and provide other required consumer services for insureds in a reasonable and timely manner [emph. added].”

CA Insurance Commissioner Notice Amid Coronavirus

CA Insurance Commissioner March 18, 2020, Notice Amid Coronavirus

This news should reassure all those who feel they may be exhibiting symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Do not put off a visit to your healthcare provider because you are worried that your health insurance is no longer processing claims!

Any individual who has suffered injuries in a car accident or other personal injury case should continue to timely file their insurance claims and protect their statute of limitations.  Despite the number of court closures, the courts are still accepting filings, and therefore, time-sensitive deadlines still apply!

If You Have Been Wrongfully Injured, Contact a Local Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away!

If you have been injured as a result of a car accident, slip and fall, or trip and fall, call a personal injury attorney right away. Make sure that you gather the contact information from as many witnesses as you can find.

No one article can cover everything that people should know after a personal injury.  Additionally, personal injury law presents unique legal challenges.

We recommend that you contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to an insurance adjuster, or filing a claim.  Filing an insurance claim for personal injuries without consulting an attorney, could result in an adjuster attempting to use your statements against you.

There are many local Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach personal injury lawyers. Lawyers who regularly practice in this field of law should be able to help, and will likely offer you a free consultation.

Don’t let an insurance company lowball your demand for reimbursement of medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Ensure that you receive full justice for your insurance claims!

The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this post, or website, should be taken as legal advice for any individual or case situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.  

Contact us If you have lost a loved one or have pain and suffering from a personal injury.  For more information, visit our car accidents page and slip and fall accidents page. For a free consultation, please reach out to our attorneys to arrange a time to discuss your case.  

All you have to do is hit the big blue button labeled Contact Us at the top of this page!