When you consider what is involved in the process of buying car insurance, it would seem like it should be simple—and remain that way throughout the duration of your policy. While you are trying to protect your world, in terms of your car, home, or business, and more, insurance really revolves around risk management of your finances.
Although it would be terrible to lose a home or any other important possession, the bottom line is that if there is an accident or damage, the cost could be prohibitive for having repairs completed. Because insurance companies have premiums coming in from so many different policyholders, many of who never file a claim, they can pay out according to your policy agreement—and still make a healthy profit each year.
The journey to procuring insurance begins as you work with an agent, figure out your needs and what lines of insurance are appropriate, and buy a policy. With that, you agree to pay your premiums on time in exchange for having a claim paid in full if something bad happens. The general assumption is that you will receive streamlined customer service and good treatment by the insurer if you file a claim.
If you are unexpectedly subjected to bad faith practices, however, you may find yourself very worried when the insurance company barely deigns to respond. Or, they may respond quickly, but with a completely unreasonable denial. You may start to feel more than a bit panicky, especially if you are without a car or a comfortable place to live due to an accident or damage. You may also be worried about a serious liability issue if there is been a slip and fall at your business or a professional liability issue if you are being sued by a client. Insurance companies are required to respond promptly, and they are required to explain to you why they are denying the claim.
Other tricks may involve intimidation tactics—and unfortunately, this is all too common—leaving you to wonder why insurance adjusters would have such a stake in seeing that you don’t get what you are owed, and especially after years of paying in for expensive premiums. Insurance companies are shrewd, they train their people well, and they also often offer extra benefits, bonuses and compensation to adjusters and customer service representative who are able to save the company money by spending the least amount of time on a claim and paying out the least amount in any settlement.
When receiving a settlement offer you may be seriously disappointed at how low it is, and along with that you may be shocked that they actually expect you to accept it! As soon as you get into a situation like this, it is critical to your case to consult with an attorney like Andrew ‘Pike’ Piekalkiewicz, PLLC. This is not the time to go it alone, and the insurance company is definitely not an entity you want to take on.
The insurance company may insinuate that the one low offer you receive from them is the only one you will get, and if you don’t take it you will be left out in the cold. This is not true, and a skilled attorney will fight to help you get the compensation you deserve. If the insurer is acting in bad faith, you may be owed further damages. They may also be fined for their behavior.
If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of others, this is not the time to go it alone! Please call the law offices of Andrew ‘Pike’ Piekalkiewicz, PLLC as soon as possible at (713) 748-7453 or visit Attorney Sgt Pike for a no obligation case review.
