When an insured risk involving a personal injury, such as a motor vehicle accident,t occurs, we expect insurance companies to compensate for losses suffered. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Insurers may prolong the settlement process longer than they should or deny the claim altogether. In that case, they are likely engaging in bad-faith insurance. A tactic meant to protect their interests at the expense of justice.
A Channelview personal injury lawyer from Lone Star Injury Attorneys steps in to secure the rights of the insured against exploitation by insurance companies. With their assistance, personal injury victims can trust the justice system to work.
If you have filed a claim with an insurer and believe they are dishonest, it is time to consult a knowledgeable Channelview bad-faith insurance lawyer. Don’t allow them the chance to exploit or hoodwink you into giving up on your rights. Our team is here to fight for your rights.
What is Bad-Faith Insurance?
Understanding bad faith insurance and how it happens is critical for protecting your rights and maximizing a personal injury claim. Bad-faith insurance is when an insurance company negligently or intentionally fails to honor its obligation to pay claims to policyholders when an insured risk occurs. Insurers are contractually obligated to settle a claim within the shortest time possible per the policy guidelines.
Some of the most common tactics that insurance adjusters employ to deny claimants the justice they deserve are:
Denying a Claim
Denying a valid claim is a clear sign of bad faith insurance. As long as your claim is covered under the policy, the insurer must honor it. While there are valid reasons to deny a claim, hiring a Channelview bad-faith insurance lawyer who can review your policy extensively is important.
Delaying Settlement
Insurance companies also frustrate claimants by delaying settlement. By prolonging the settlement process, they hope that policyholders will give up on the quest for justice and abandon the claim. Delayed settlement can cause untold financial hardship to affected parties.
Common delay tactics include requesting irrelevant or additional documentation, breaks in communication, and deliberately slowing claims processing. A skilled bad-faith insurance attorney can help speed up negotiations and settlement.
Lowball Offers
Another tactic that insurers use is offering lowball settlements that don’t reflect the actual worth of a claim. In many cases, claimants are unaware of their rights or the minimum amount of compensation they should pursue. Therefore, they fall victim to lowball offers that generally don’t match the full extent of damages or losses suffered.
For instance, insurance adjusters may underestimate or deny settlement for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and permanent disability.
For a free legal consultation with a bad faith insurance lawyer serving Channelview.
Call (832) 346-9585
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself from Bad-Faith Insurance
Dealing with insurance companies following an accident or injury can be extremely stressful, especially when you can’t trust them to do the right thing. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself from bad-faith insurance in Channelview:
Understand Your Policy
Before filing an insurance claim, you should, first of all, familiarize yourself with the conditions and terms of your policy. Get to know its exclusions and how the settlement works. Purpose to understand the limits set in the coverage and what you can claim, including deductibles.
Also, remember to keep copies of your insurance policy and all related documentation. They are vital for reviewing your case when consulting with a Channelview bad-faith insurance attorney.
Document Everything
Another way to protect yourself from bad faith insurance is documenting everything right from when the insured risk happens. For example, if you are involved in a car accident, notify your insurer as soon as possible or as the policy dictates.
Maintain detailed records of your communication and correspondence with insurance representatives. Don’t sign anything or agree to give recorded statements until you speak with a lawyer. Document losses and keep records of police and medical reports.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Immediately after an accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will discuss feasible legal options and review potential outcomes.
Most importantly, a committed attorney will protect your rights against exploitation by insurance adjusters. As seasoned legal professionals, they understand the different tactics insurers use to deny claimants their rightful and just settlements.
Contact Our Channelview Bad-Faith Insurance Lawyers
When filing an insurance claim, you rightfully hope and expect insurers to do the right thing and settle your case. Unfortunately, that is often not the case.
Insurance companies will not admit any wrongdoing or dishonesty. Hiring a bad-faith insurance lawyer can help defend against these tactics. Call Lone Star Injury Attorneys today to speak with our team.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
