Tag: Bad faith claims

adjusters

Beware of Adjusters Who Want to Speak to You Instead of Your Attorney

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

If you have had an accident or have filed a claim due to the negligence of another party, you may find yourself in the middle of an extremely frustrating experience trying to deal with insurance companies on your own. Automobile accidents are a perfect example, and especially because serious trauma could be involved—from brain injuries to spinal injuries, broken bones, and so much more. This may also have a deep financial impact if you are too injured to work, whether temporarily or permanently. Add having to communicate with insurance adjusters to the mix—while you are trying to heal—and you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and intimidated.

The key is to not speak with the insurance adjusters but refer them to your attorney immediately. And if you suspect that the insurance company is trying to deny your claim on bad faith, consult with an experienced bad faith litigation firm like the Bolender Law Firm as soon as possible. It may be difficult to remember at times that the insurance companies are not on your side, no matter how friendly the insurance adjusters may seem. They are usually very skilled at their jobs, and they are trained to get as much information from you as they can to come up with a settlement offer that is as low as possible.

If you have been injured, for example, adjusters may ask for details about your injuries, and request access to medical records from the hospital or doctor’s office. Along with their mini-interrogations, they may also want to record your conversations. It is in your best interest not to agree to any of those requests, along with continuing to refer them to your attorney. This can be difficult if they are offering you what might seem to be a tempting settlement, but in most cases your attorney will be able to get much more for you in damages, as you deserve—rather than accepting a lowball offer.

On the other hand, rather than offering you anything, you may find that the insurance company has not investigated the case properly or is delaying the claim or denying it outright. If a dispute over a claim cannot be easily resolved through a call or written communication, our attorneys will advocate on behalf of policyholders through litigation, arbitration, or non-binding mediation.

At, the Bolender Law Firm, our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in state and federal courts—at both the trial and appellate level. Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!

auto accident claims

Auto Accident Claims: The Most Common Reasons They Are Denied

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

Traffic incidents continue to rise today, despite added attention to new safety devices from car manufacturers and a plethora of public safety information being disseminated around the US. More people are on the roads—and far too many of them are distracted while driving, leading to the number one cause for auto accidents. But whether you end up in a fender bender due to someone texting behind the wheel, or a serious accident after a collision with a drunk or reckless driver, dealing with the insurance company can be more than a headache. It may be a total nightmare—and one that could drag out for a long time without the help of a skilled insurance attorney.

If you sustained injuries in an accident, having to fight with the insurance company can be even more stressful as you are trying to heal. You may also be unable to work, worried about finances, and very concerned about how to get your car repaired (and perhaps medical bills too).

Claims are usually denied by the insurance company for a handful of common reasons, to include:

  • No report was made – this is why you should always file a police report, unless you were involved in a fender bender so miniscule that it would obviously be a complete waste of time to notify anyone. If there is the slightest bit of damage or injury to anyone, the police should be called—along with an ambulance if necessary. If you were hit due to the negligence of another driver, getting information such as the other party’s name, number, work address, work phone, and insurance data is critical, along with the police report. Were there witnesses? If so, ask for their contact information immediately too as that is likely the only time you will see them, and they could be critical to your case as well.
  • You did not report injuries or go to the hospital right away – if you suspect any injury at all, let those at the scene of the accident know, and get treated as soon as possible. Without any initial reports regarding injury, insurance companies are likely to pounce on the lack of evidence and deny the claim.
  • The insurance company considers you at fault for the accident. This could be due to suspicion of drunk driving, speeding, or other reckless behavior.
  • You did not pay your premium on time (even for one month) or the policy had been canceled.
  • There was a misunderstanding regarding coverage, or the car insurance policy was not actually in force at the time of the automobile wreck.

If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver and suspect your insurance company may be denying your claim in bad faith, contact the attorneys at the Bolender Law Firm.  Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!