The Basics of Bad Faith Insurance Claims

In the aftermath of a car accident, you expect the process to go smoothly. You contact your insurance company, provide them with the information they need, and expect them to handle your claim with ease, getting you the compensation that you need for your damages.

What happens, though, when your insurance provider does the complete opposite, wrongfully denying your claim?

In Texas, and every other state, this is an illegal practice called acting in bad faith. Understanding what this means and how it can impact you and your claim is important.

Example of a Bad Faith Insurance Claim

Imagine suffering an injury in a car accident. You need to pay for medical bills, property damage, and more. The insurance company’s adjuster comes out to determine the amount of the damages sustained. However, when they do, they devalue the losses.

In these situations, acting in bad faith can include the following:

• The insurance company may try to delay the payments you receive

• The insurance company may try to devalue your losses and pay less than you deserve

• The insurance company may try to deny the claim outright, claiming your losses are not covered

Whenever the insurance company acts in bad faith, you have the right to take legal action against the provider to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

How Does the Insurance Company Try to Deny a Claim?

The insurance company may try to contact you for a recorded statement and discuss the accident that occurred. You always want to tell the truth whenever you do speak with the insurance company, but it is wise to have a lawyer on your side before you do.

The insurance company wants to have you on record contradicting your initial statement in an effort to minimize or deny your claim. With a lawyer, you can avoid saying certain things that can be used against you.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, our Austin bad faith insurance attorneys work with you to help you understand your rights when your insurance provider tries to take advantage of you and your policy. We’ll work with you to build a strong case strategy and hold the insurance company to their word.

Contact our firm at (512) 400-3278 today. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7!