As car accident cases continue to rise, many consumers still believe that once an accident occurs, the insurance company will handle everything, arranging repairs, assessing damage, and compensating the injured party fairly. Unfortunately, reality is far from this assumption. Many insurance companies adopt strategies to avoid responsibility: refusing to repair, claiming documents are incomplete, or even alleging that the victim contributed to the incident.
One such case involves an elderly woman, a case that has now become an important lesson for all consumers regarding their rights in car accident disputes.
Insurance Company Ignored the Case for 2 Full Months No Repairs, No Assessment, No Response
The incident began when the elderly woman’s car was hit and severely damaged. Instead of arranging repairs as required, the at-fault driver’s insurance company did nothing.
For two months, they:
- did not contact her,
- did not assess the damage,
- did not bring the vehicle in for repair.
The woman, who had no legal knowledge, had no idea what to do. People around her advised her to file a complaint with the OIC (Office of Insurance Commission). However, it is widely known that the OIC often works in ways that lean toward supporting insurance companies. Starting the process this way may cause unnecessary delays and potential loss of rights.
Fortunately, she had not filed the complaint yet and instead chose to consult the Lawyer Arm from Wongsakorn Law Office.
Lawyer Arm Immediately Took Over the Case and Issued a Formal Notice Demanding Repairs
After reviewing all the details, Lawyer Arm found that the case carried a high risk of the insurance company misleading the victim or avoiding responsibility.
The office immediately drafted and sent a formal letter to the insurance company instructing them to:
- bring the damaged vehicle in for repair,
- restore it to its pre-accident condition,
- fulfill all duties required under the insurance policy.
Importantly, the letter did NOT demand any repair costs from the insurance company; it merely required them to take the car and repair it, as the responsible insurer.
From Rejecting Repairs to Suddenly Requesting Documents and Asking for Repair Estimates
After receiving the letter, the insurance company shifted their attitude and responded by requesting:
- repair cost estimates,
- repair shop details,
- labor costs,
- parts pricing,
which they claimed were needed for “price control procedures.”
Although it might sound reasonable, in reality…
This is a strategy designed to shift responsibility onto the victim.
Why Did the Lawyer Advise “Do NOT Prepare Repair Estimates”?
According to Lawyer Arm, preparing repair estimates poses high risks, because the insurance company could later accuse the victim of:
- providing a fake estimate,
- listing incorrect parts,
- inflating prices,
- adding unnecessary items.
They could even file a counter-lawsuit against the victim, claiming attempted fraud.
Most consumers have no idea this can happen.
The Truth: It Is NOT the Victim’s Duty to Find Repair Shops or Prepare Cost Estimates
In car accident and insurance law:
- The insurance company must manage all repair arrangements.
- The insurance company must select the repair garage.
- The insurance company must assess repair costs.
- The insurance company must restore the car to its original condition.
The victim has zero responsibility to prepare repair estimates.
Therefore, the insurance company’s attempt to push this duty onto the victim is a clear violation of proper procedure.
What Is the Insurance Company Afraid Of? Poor Repairs? Additional Liability? Compensation for Loss of Vehicle Use?
Many people wonder:
- Are they afraid repairs will not meet standards?
- Are they afraid they will incur additional liability if problems arise later?
- Are they afraid they will have to pay loss of vehicle use compensation while the car is being repaired?
Regardless of the reason, the victim should not be forced to bear these burdens.
Main Lesson: Consumers Need a Lawyer Because Insurance Companies Already Have Lawyers Before the Crash Even Happens
Most people do not realize:
Insurance companies already have lawyers prepared before any car accident occurs.
They have time, legal resources, and strategies ready to reduce liability.
But consumers usually:
- have no legal advisor,
- have no knowledge of their rights,
- lack experience dealing with insurance tactics.
Thus, when an accident occurs, consumers should consult a lawyer to:
- protect their rights,
- prevent unfair treatment,
- compel the insurance company to fulfill its duties,
- avoid being pushed into taking responsibility for things they shouldn’t.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Manipulate Your Rights
This case shows how some insurers may:
- reject repairs altogether,
- accuse the victim of staging the crash,
- demand documents the victim is not responsible for,
- twist procedures to avoid paying compensation.
Consumers must stay informed and have a professional to protect their interests.
If you are facing a car accident dispute, if your insurance company refuses repairs, or if you feel the company is avoiding responsibility:
👉 Consult Lawyer Arm – Wongsakorn Law Office
📞 Tel: 062-195-1661