Filing an insurance claim after an accident is not something many people look forward to. This is often because dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating and confusing, and it is not always easy to know when an adjuster is treating one fairly. Nevertheless, when medical bills and other expenses from an accident begin to pile up, the insurance money may be essential. How can one recognize when an insurer is acting in bad faith?
Bad faith tactics include any actions or inaction that are unreasonable for the situation. A policyholder who has a legitimate claim may expect the insurance company to hold up its end of the agreement by investigating the claim quickly and offering a fair payment according to the terms of the policy. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and victims of accidents may be left waiting for benefits or wondering why the insurer denied their claims.
Some examples of bad faith tactics include delaying the investigation of a claim, denying a claim without a fair investigation, offering an unreasonably low settlement and not offering a logical explanation for a claim denial. These are only a few of the tactics insurance companies resort to when trying to avoid paying claims. An insurance adjuster may also try to wear down a claimant by repeatedly asking for more documentation or evidence.
Dealing with insurance companies may be something accident victims do not have time or energy for when they are focused on their recovery from their injuries. Fortunately, many California attorneys have the experience and resources to fight bad faith tactics. A dedicated attorney can work to protect the rights of accident victims who are facing unfair treatment from insurance companies.