How to Get an Insurance Company to Accept Fault for an Accident?

Getting an insurance company to accept fault after an accident can be surprisingly difficult, even in seemingly straightforward cases like a rear-end collision. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts, sometimes at the expense of injured victims. If you want to ensure that fault is properly recognized and that your claim is handled fairly, the best strategy is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney and, if necessary, file a lawsuit.

In Texas, insurance companies generally have 15 business days to accept or deny fault after completing their investigation, as required by the Texas Insurance Code. In some cases, they may request a short extension, but the timeline is relatively strict. Even so, many insurance adjusters attempt to delay or manipulate the process to their advantage. Without proper legal representation, claimants are often left at a severe disadvantage, having to navigate complex legal and insurance procedures on their own.

Even in accidents that appear clear-cut, insurance companies often dispute liability or misrepresent facts. For instance, in a rear-end collision, they may claim that you “stopped too short” or “applied the brakes too abruptly,” even if the evidence proves otherwise. Without an attorney to advocate for you, it is extremely difficult to challenge these claims or hold the insurer accountable.

It’s important to understand that fault is ultimately a legal question, not just the opinion of an insurance adjuster or the police officer at the scene. An adjuster may deny fault or delay payment indefinitely, but that does not mean you cannot recover. Filing a lawsuit allows your attorney to present the case in court, gather evidence, and formally establish liability. Once liability is proven in a legal setting, the insurance company is compelled to accept fault and pay damages accordingly.

A skilled personal injury attorney brings several advantages to this process. They know how to gather and preserve evidence, such as police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, and medical documentation. They understand how to challenge false narratives and negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring that you are not shortchanged. Attorneys also have the experience to pressure insurers to act promptly, knowing that a lawsuit is likely to follow if they continue to deny or delay.

Additionally, legal representation allows you to pursue the full range of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and even pain and suffering. Without an attorney, you risk accepting a settlement that undervalues your claim or failing to collect on damages you are legally entitled to recover.