Signs that the Insurance Company May Not Be Acting in Good Faith
If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured, you are going to be dealing with an insurance company or two. While the insurance company involved in your case may strike you as being forthright, there are several signs you should be aware of that can be indicative of bad faith. If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, consult with a skilled Central Texas personal injury attorney today.
What You Should Not Do
If you have been injured in an accident, you will almost certainly have to deal with an insurance agent, but this does not mean that you are obliged to do whatever it is the agent asks of you. You are not required to provide the insurance company with a recorded statement, and you should not do so. Injurious accidents like car accidents and slip and falls can leave you overwhelmed, and anything you say can come back to haunt your claim later. Finally, never accept a settlement offer before you have discussed it with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
Signs of Bad Faith Insurance Dealings
There are several signs that the insurance company may be engaging in bad faith practices of which you should be aware:
The insurance company is slow to respond
If you have been injured in an accident, timing is important. If the insurance company seems to be stalling, it is a bad sign. Your insurance company should be easy to get in touch with, and they should answer any questions you have thoroughly and knowledgeably.
The insurance company improperly denies your claim
While insurance companies have the right to deny claims, they need good reasons for doing so. If your claim has been denied, the insurance company must provide you with the reason. Some insurance companies are not above denying claims in the hope that policyholders will simply give up and move on.
The insurance company is delaying payment
If you have been injured in an accident, you likely need compensation sooner rather than later. After all, you have medical bills to pay and your health to attend to. If your insurance company is slow to respond to you and/or asks for excessive documentation, it could be engaging in delaying tactics.
The insurance company is too quick to make a settlement offer
If the insurance company makes a hasty settlement offer, on the other hand, it could be attempting to close the matter before the full extent of your damages comes to light. Again, never accept a settlement offer before conferring with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.