Welcome to our blog! We are Chance Gauthier and Shane Maier, former insurance company defense lawyers with extensive experience representing major insurance carriers. Today, we embark on a journey to demystify the world of insurance claims, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the process effectively. Whether you're seeking to understand how insurance companies evaluate claims or improve the outcome of your own claim, this series is here to help.

The insurance claim process can be bewildering, leaving many people confused and unsure of their rights. Our goal is to shed light on the inner workings of insurance companies and defense lawyers, empowering you to make informed decisions and maximize your claim. Throughout this series, we will provide valuable insights, practical advice, and insider tips that can make a significant difference in your claim's outcome.

To guide you through this informative series, here's an outline of the topics we will cover:

1. Understanding the Claims Evaluation Process: Gain an in-depth understanding of how insurance companies evaluate claims, from initial negotiations to litigation assessments. We'll explore the factors that influence their calculations and offer insights into their mindset.

2. Navigating Medical Damages: Uncover the tactics used by insurance carriers to minimize the value of your medical expenses. We'll explain the importance of asserting your rights and ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

3. Exploring Non-Economic Damages: Dive into the realm of non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. We'll discuss how insurance companies assess these damages and provide strategies to strengthen your claim.

4. Evaluating Lost Wages: Understand the process of determining and proving lost wages in your claim. We'll address common challenges and offer guidance on maximizing your compensation in this area.

5. Negotiating Your Claim: Master the art of negotiation when dealing with insurance companies. We'll share effective strategies to assert your position, counter low settlement offers, and secure a fair resolution.

6. The Benefits of Legal Representation: Discover when it may be advantageous to seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney. We'll discuss the advantages they bring to the table and how to choose the right attorney for your specific needs.

Throughout this series, it's essential to remember that the information we provide is based on our knowledge and experience within the state of New Mexico. While certain principles may apply broadly, we encourage you to consult an attorney from your jurisdiction for specific advice tailored to your claim.

Who we are: We are Chance Gauthier and Shane Maier, former insurance company defense lawyers. Our extensive experience includes representing major insurance carriers like Farmers Insurance Company and Progressive Insurance Company, defending both the insurance company and their insureds. Together, we worked at the esteemed O'Brien & Padilla law firm, handling a wide range of cases, from standard auto accidents to complex large loss cases and insurance bad faith lawsuits. Notably, Shane Maier served as a member of the New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association's publication board, actively contributing to the publication and education of defense lawyers in New Mexico on industry-related topics and issues.

Shane Maier and Chance Gauthier

Throughout our careers, we received training from some of the top insurance defense lawyers in the State of New Mexico. This training equipped us with the expertise to evaluate and minimize claims in accordance with insurance standards. We gained valuable insights into how insurance carriers employ various tools and calculations to assess the value of a lawsuit and predict potential jury verdicts based on the facts of the case. Our track record includes achieving exceptional results for our clients during our tenure with O'Brien & Padilla.

Further, never forget that insurance companies operate as for-profit entities, aiming to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. Our insights will unveil the strategies they employ and help you level the playing field. From denying claims to offering low settlements, insurance carriers have a vested interest in paying as little as possible. A common motto in the insurance defense industry is that an insurance company should not pay 1 penny more than the value of the claim. However, armed with knowledge, you can effectively challenge their tactics and fight for fair compensation.

Negotiation skills are crucial in the world of insurance claims. Unlike purchasing items online, insurance claims require strategic negotiations to achieve optimal results. Our blog will equip you with the tools and understanding to navigate these negotiations confidently and advocate for your rights.

We invite you to join us on this journey as we unravel the complexities of the auto accident claims process. We're committed to providing you with valuable information and actionable advice to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.

If you have specific questions or topics you'd like us to address, please leave a comment or reach out to us. Remember, you're not alone in this process, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, and let's navigate the auto accident claims process together!