Can I dispute a car insurance claim that found my dad at fault for an accident?

Asked by user in Oregon.

My dad didn't have insurance at the time. A police report was not filed, and both drivers left. The other driver’s insurance found my dad at fault and wants us to pay $2,141.

If you believe the other driver is at fault for the accident, then you should file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. If the insurance company believes you were at fault for the accident, the insurance company will deny your claim. At that point, you can attempt to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company (this may involve an exchange of evidence) or you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Before filing a claim that you expect to be denied, it’s a good idea to meet with an attorney. You can use our free online directory to locate an attorney in your area. Alternatively, if you can’t afford an attorney, you can contact the Oregon State Bar Referral Service and inquire about free or reduced-cost attorneys.