Insurance companies have rigged the fight for compensation for auto collision claims. CNN’s 18-month investigation has revealed that companies such as Allstate and State Farm developed a strategy of “denying claims, delaying claim settlement, and defending against claims in court.” These practices are specifically used to maintain insurance companies’ profits.
Denying Auto Collision Insurance Claims
There are many grounds by which an insurance company might deny a claim, most are based on who is at fault or avoidability of accident and existence or severity of injury.
When a car accident occurs, the insurance company takes many aspects of the crash into account. A police report will help the insurance company determine fault. Other factors that could contribute to an insurance company’s assessment includes factors like whether the vehicle was rear-ended or one of the drivers was intoxicated.
A lack of medical records demonstrating that the injuries were sustained in the accident and documenting the existence or extent of the injury may also result in a claim denial. Medical records that do not fully detail the severity of your injuries can also result in a reduced settlement offer.
So, in order to maximize the value of your claim and resulting settlement, you should ensure the police file a report and that you have detailed medical records documenting the severity of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you present your claim to the insurance company so that you receive fair compensation.
Delaying Claim Settlement
When an insurance company does not deny a claim, it may take several months and even years before it offers a settlement. The insurance company will create a multitude of excuses to prolong the process in order to wear you down. This strategy creates financial pressure on the claimant that enforces a “take it or leave it” ideology in which funds payable are lower than needed to cover losses due to an accident.
Retaining an experienced personal injury attorney will allow you to put pressure on the insurance company to offer a fair settlement earlier in the process. An attorney will help you speed up the settlement process by providing comprehensive documentation of medical expenses via bills, reports, etc.
Defending Against Claims in Court
Insurance companies are not strangers to court. They handle thousands of cases every year, many of which end up in court in front of a judge and jury. They understand that by delaying settlement until the trial date or even going through a jury trial may allow them to retain their assets for a longer period of time. Your insurance company might also be willing to risk a verdict or award if it believes you don’t have a strong case. Even if it loses, the insurance company has still benefited by earning interest on its money during the process.
It is essential to retain a reputable lawyer. Make sure you hire an attorney who is experienced in auto collision insurance claims. Your attorney will investigate your claim, compile all available resources and documentation, present your claim to the insurance adjuster and fight for a higher settlement. If necessary, your attorney will pursue your claim in court.
Insurance companies have tried their best to rig the game, but the game is not impossible to win. A legal battle with an insurance company may be a time consuming process. However, your best chance at a successful result is to work with an experienced auto collision lawyer.