Even without an insurance lawyer explaining it to you, chances are you understand how the basics of an insurance claim work, and are hoping to stay out of the courtroom. If you have been in a car accident, the police are called, a report is made, and you may have been taken to the hospital for injuries or were treated otherwise. Many of these types of incidents end up leaving you with a sigh of relief as they are fender benders resulting in little need for action, while another could be a full-blown car crash that results in multiple injuries due to the negligence of another party, and could escalate into a full-blown lawsuit against the other party’s insurance company.
If you have been injured or experienced serious property damage, you probably feel a sense of urgency to see the claim settled so you can get your finances and your life back in order—and understandably so. This can also be a very difficult time if you are trying to heal or adapt to what could be long-lasting or permanent damage physically – not to mention emotionally.
The best scenario in such a situation is always to hope that the insurance company is going to pay the claim as quickly as possible and everyone can go on their way; however, claim situations can get complicated at times. There is a difference though between complicated and an insurance company that is attempting to get out of paying your claim and practicing bad faith. Know the signs. Are they delaying the process of dealing with your claim? Has an investigation begun? Or, have you already been outright denied?
You may also be the victim of intimidation tactics from your insurance company. This could include requests for so much documentation you don’t even know where to start – along with asking for information that may seem completely irrelevant. The insurer could even go so far as to insinuate that your claim is fraudulent, delaying payment even further as they send out a fraud investigation team. They may try to intimidate witnesses with aggressive questioning—and you as well. In the end, you may receive a lowball offer that they want you to believe is all you will get, and that you should accept it quickly (which you should not!).
If you are being treated this way, do not try to go it alone! Consult with an attorney from the Bolender Law Firm as soon as possible if you suspect bad faith practices. There is the chance that your insurance attorney could contact the insurance company by phone or by written communication and resolve everything quickly for you. If not, however, it is vital to your case to have an attorney who is skilled in the courtroom, has experience in the courtroom, and will fight to protect you and your best interests.
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. The Bolender Law Firm is here to help you!