Bellingham, WA asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation, Insurance Bad Faith and Insurance Defense for Washington

Q: How does an insurance company settle claims when their insured are both parties of an MVA? How do they "sue" themselves?

My friend was involved in a three car collision recently. She was rear-ended by a vehicle which slammed her car into the car ahead of hers. The same insurance company that insures my friend is the same insurance carrier for the individual's vehicle that slammed into her from behind. The vehicle that my friend rear-ended is insured by a different carrier.

1 Lawyer Answer
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Licensed in Washington

A: It's handled by different divisions within the company normally. Happens all the time, but I understand what you are saying; it looks like a clear conflict.

Then of course if her carrier pays some of her medical bills, it can require compensation from the other driver's insurer; yes, the same company.

If your friend isn't represented, she should talk to an attorney right away. Particularly in the one company scenario it is very easy for the injured person to get taken advantage of by an insurance company that is just trying to avoid paying a claim.

1 user found this answer helpful

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