When I started to work with the city, I realized that I was going to be working alongside our attorneys every single day. While I was a little nervous around them at first, we quickly became friends and all of that anxiety melted away. It was really neat to see how many different subjects they could handle, and I realized just how necessary they were for helping me to manage various daily occurrences. On this website, I thought it would be really great to start talking about how to work with lawyers, and what it might mean for you and your family if you seek legal advice early.
Cassandra Stone
Assuming that the other driver's insurance will pay all of your needs after an accident is a big mistake. Even when the other driver appears to be at fault, you might not receive the compensation you need without taking further legal action. Read on to learn about the many ways that accident claims can be denied, how to cope, and how to take action.
Why Are Claims Delayed and Denied?
Insurance is a financial matter and not an ethical issue. Accident victims who expect the policy to cover them quickly and efficiently are bound to be disappointed when the truth hits. While the stated purpose of insurance is to pay accident victims for their damages, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. That means that they have numerous ways of making it more difficult for you to get what you deserve.
The Insurer Cites a Previous Injury
If you have ever been hurt in a car accident before, the insurance carrier is sure to know about it and use it against you. Additionally, they may request access to your entire medical history so that they can claim your injuries were already present. Your medical information is private, and only a court subpoena can force them to be released without your consent. Make sure you don't provide consent and speak to a lawyer if the insurers are requesting the records.
The Insurer Cites a Failure to Seek Treatment
If you are involved in a wreck, seek medical help. Even if you are not certain of the scope of your injuries, allow medical personnel to determine that. If you did not seek help after an accident and are now experiencing problems that may be traced back to the wreck, seek help immediately. The longer you wait, the stronger the case against you. When it comes to personal injury cases, there is nothing more important than your injury, the treatment, and the amount of money used to treat you.
The Insurer Is not Communicating or Paying Claims
This issue is known as "bad faith," and insurers are adept at the game. The longer they make you wait for payment, the more likely you are to accept an inadequate settlement. Your best defense against bad faith behavior is to speak to a personal injury lawyer. They will act as the go-between to ensure you get paid what you need and deserve in a timely manner. Insurers hate having to take cases to court, and just having a lawyer on your side is a great motivator to get them moving and honor your claims.
Speak to an accident lawyer to learn more.