If you were injured in a car accident in Roswell that was not your fault, you expect the negligent driver’s insurance company to treat you fairly and settle your claim quickly. However, you may be shocked to discover that the insurance company does exactly the opposite. Here are five warning signs that they are engaged in unfair insurance tactics.
#1: Delaying Your Claim
One sign that your claim is not being handled properly is if the insurance company drags out the time it takes to make a decision on your claim. While they need to conduct an investigation before deciding how much to offer you, this should not go on for months on end. In addition, they should adequately investigate your claim to determine their liability to pay you.
#2: Denying Your Claim Without a Reason
If the insurance company denies your claim, they should give you a written reason for their decision. If they fail to provide reasoning or gives you an invalid reason, this is a warning sign that they are engaging in unfair insurance tactics.
#3: Making a Lowball Offer
The insurance company may start negotiations of your claim by making a lowball offer of far less than the value of your claim. An insurance company will do this to see if you will accept it to settle your claim quickly. While this is a common practice, it is unfair if the insurance adjuster refuses to budge from this initial offer or continues to offer far less than you deserve.
#4: Delaying Your Payment
Once you settle your claim, you should receive your check within four to six weeks. However, if the adjuster makes excuses as to why it is taking longer to complete the final paperwork and pay your claim, they may not be treating you fairly.
#5: Misrepresenting the Policy or Law
Another unfair insurance tactic is to misstate the insurance policy coverage or law that applies to your car accident claim. Insurance companies have a duty to truthful and honest about coverage under their insured’s policy and New Mexico’s laws on car accident victims’ rights.
What Should You Do If You Believe the Insurance Company Is Engaged in Unfair Tactics?
If you see a warning sign that the insurance company is engaging in unfair tactics, you need to take immediate steps to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to do:
- Demand a written reason for denying your claim, so you understand it and know what you need to do to dispute the insurance company’s arguments.
- Retain an experienced car accident attorney in New Mexico as soon as possible. They will take over communication and negotiations with the insurance adjuster and will fight for the compensation you deserve in your settlement. If the insurance company refuses to be reasonable, they will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Were you injured in a car accident that was not your fault in Roswell? Start a live chat to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you.
|
Related Links: |