​After a Car Accident, Many Seek Alternatives to Insurance to Avoid Lowball Settlements​

Drivers involved in car and truck accidents are increasingly looking beyond their insurance companies for support—especially when lowball settlements threaten to leave them footing the bill for vehicle damage and medical costs.

With traffic-related injuries on the rise, personal injury claims have become a critical tool for Californians seeking proper compensation. But as stories grow of drivers being shortchanged by insurers, many are seeking out additional resources to protect themselves.

The Problem with Insurance After a Crash

Recent reports have shown that car insurance companies often offer payouts that fall short of covering full medical and repair costs. According to a 2024 Consumer Reports investigative feature, some drivers were offered up to 40% less than what their repairs actually cost. Others faced delays, denials, or settlements that didn’t include pain and suffering, ongoing treatment, or lost income.

In California, this issue is compounded by the high cost of medical care and car repairs. Data from the California Department of Insurance shows a rise in consumer complaints related to delayed or inadequate settlements, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose.

Why Drivers Are Looking for Alternatives

People are no longer relying solely on insurance adjusters. Here are the top alternative resources being used:

✔️ Health Insurance as a Primary Payer

Rather than wait for auto insurers to approve treatment, many accident victims are turning to their personal or employer-provided health insurance to get immediate care—especially important for traumatic injuries.

✔️ Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

California requires all auto policies to offer this protection, and in accidents where the at-fault driver lacks coverage, this add-on can help recover lost wages, medical expenses, and more.

✔️ Disability & State Support

Programs like California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) provide partial wage replacement for injured workers unable to work due to an accident. Victims are combining this with personal claims to stay afloat during recovery.

✔️ Personal Injury Claims & Third-Party Assistance

When an insurance settlement won’t cut it, victims are filing personal injury claims to pursue the full compensation they’re owed—including pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future medical costs.

Truck Accidents and Serious Injuries: A Bigger Battle

Truck accidents—especially on busy freeways like the 5, 405, and 101—often lead to serious injuries and complex claims. According to the California Highway Patrol, collisions involving commercial trucks are on the rise, and the settlements for these crashes are notoriously hard-fought.

Many trucking companies have aggressive legal teams and insurers who quickly work to limit their liability, which is why victims are increasingly seeking professional help early in the process to protect themselves from low offers.

Proactive Steps for Drivers

If you’ve been in a car or truck accident, consider these tips before accepting any offer:

  • Document everything: Photos, witness statements, and medical records help strengthen your claim.
  • Don’t accept the first offer: Insurers often lowball initial settlements.
  • Understand your coverage: Make sure you know what your policy actually covers—including UM/UIM and med pay options.
  • Explore your rights to file a personal injury claim: These can offer broader compensation than insurance alone.

Know Your Worth After a Crash

Insurance may be the first call after a car accident, but it shouldn’t be the last step. With high costs and complex claims, relying on insurance alone can leave you vulnerable to lowball offers that don’t reflect the true impact of your accident.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor crash or a life-changing truck collision, being informed and using all available resources—including legal support—is the best way to ensure fair compensation.