Insurance companies are supposed to be there for you after you have been involved in a car accident that is not your fault. However, you may have heard horror stories regarding insurance claims and not receiving the money that is owed to you after an accident. Insurance companies are sometimes out only to protect their own interests and not yours, even when you expect that they will be fair to you. Because of this, it is important to understand when an insurer is not acting in good faith.

Bad faith by insurance companies takes place when an insurance company is not treating you fairly and ensuring that you receive the damages you deserve after an accident that is not your fault. Sometimes, the insurance company intentionally acts in a dishonest way and does not fulfill their legal obligations. In these ways, insurance companies breach their contract with those who employ their services. You should always be prepared for bad faith claims so that you understand your rights moving forward.

Signs That Your Insurer is Engaging in Bad Faith

Lack of Communication: When you are speaking with your insurer, you want to ensure that they keep open and honest communication with you every step of the process. So, how do you know that through communication, your insurer is acting in bad faith? If days or weeks go by and you do not hear a response from your insurer, you might believe that they are just busy – but it could mean that they are ignoring you. Time is crucial after an accident and insurers know this. It can be challenging to prove liability and the value of your claim when the insurance company is refusing to answer your calls. You want to make sure that the insurance company keeps you informed and that they are actually working on their investigation. 

Denying a Claim without Cause: Every insurance company is supposed to cover you if your claim is valid, which they will find out through the insurance investigation. This means that the company always has a duty to investigate your claim and has to give reasons why they are not covering you. Make the insurance company prove that they actually followed through with an investigation if they are trying to deny your claim. 

Delaying Payment for Claim: Your insurance company will move forward from the investigation and let you know if they are going to help you reach a settlement. When an insurer is acting in bad faith, they might try to delay or deny your payment. For instance, they might require certain documentation from you or delay communication with you, which can have a huge impact on your life.

Speaking with an Attorney After an Accident

Working with insurers after an accident is not always an easy thing to deal with on your own. Insurance companies sometimes employ tactics that will land you in a difficult position when you are attempting to receive the compensation you deserve. At Sheftall & Associates, our skilled car accident attorneys understand all aspects of the law and are dedicated to making the most out of your claim. If you have been harmed and wonder where to turn, we can help. Contact our accident attorneys at 904-647-2296 to find out how we can assist you.