If you are like most people, you have seen the feel-good insurance commercials. Insurance companies claim to have only your best interest at heart and promise to be there when things go wrong. Of course, you believe them. After all, if consumers pay their premiums every month, what reason would the insurance company have in denying a legitimate claim? You might be surprised.
The Ugly Truth About Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and, like most for-profit companies, they are in the business of making money. They cannot make a profit if they are always paying out claims. So they do everything they can to deny them. If they can’t deny them outright, then they work just as hard to cut corners and minimize the amount the victim ends up with.
Some companies use intentionally confusing wording and obscure clauses that their customers could not reasonably interpret. Others offer rewards to their employees who have the lowest payout quotas. Some will even go so far as to use shady practices – far too many car accident victims wait and wait and wait for some kind of decision – or just some movement – on their claim until they give up.
If this sounds unfair, you are right, it is. Yet it is an everyday issue within the insurance industry. Thankfully, there are some things that victims can do to mitigate the risks of having their claims denied.
Never Handle a Claim Alone
First and foremost, accident victims should avoid trying to file a car accident claim on their own. Instead, they should seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer. Even if you have health insurance is covering your medical bills, you may still have out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as deductibles and co-pays. There are some expenses – such as travel expenses to get back and forth to medical appointments – that no health insurance policy will cover, however, those expenses are recoverable in a car accident claim.
There are also other losses that should be covered in a car accident claim, including lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, emotional anguish, and more.
The insurance company will do all it can to try to question any losses you claim. This is why you should depend on your car accident lawyer so you can focus on your recovery.
If Your Claim is Denied or Delayed
If you have already filed a car accident claim and the insurance company is delaying processing it or has denied it, you can still contact a car accident lawyer for help. Once the insurance company hears you are being represented by a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer, it is very likely their attitude will change and they will be more amendable to coming to the negotiation table.
Thanks to each car accident lawyer from the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. for their insight about assault and battery personal injury cases.