You pay a lot of money for insurance just in case something happens. You count on that coverage to get you back on your feet. When an accident occurs and you finally need to use that insurance, the last thing you can afford is your insurance carrier being unresponsive.
Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common. Insurance companies are in the business of making profits and not necessarily paying out claims. Insurance companies often delay, undervalue or outright deny valid claims to strengthen their negotiating position and minimize payouts. If this does happen to you – what can you do?
Know the Warning Signs
It can be hard to pinpoint whether or not you’re dealing with an uncooperative insurance company, especially if you’re dealing with your first accident or first insurance claim. Insurers work to pay as little as possible and there are many things they do to avoid paying your claim or to make the process as difficult as possible so you accept a lower amount. To prevent this happening to you, keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Denial of a claim without reason or written notice
- Falsely accusing you of fraud or lying about extent of damages or injuries
- Delaying agreed payments without explanation
- Avoiding communication
- Abruptly closing a case without justification
Stay Calm
First reactions are likely anger and frustration, but it is important to remain calm and avoid using threatening language or tones. If you do not feel that you can talk to the insurance provider yourself, consider having an attorney step in early to handle all communication for you. Remember, even if you feel like you have been treated unfairly, you still have certain responsibilities, which may include signing authorizations for medical bills and providing a statement when requested. Failure to do some of these things when required can significantly impact your case and provide the excuse an insurance carrier needs to deny your claim.
Contact an Attorney
Dealing with an insurance company can be stressful and it is helpful to have an experienced South Florida personal injury attorney to guide you through the process. Weinstein & Cohen has been handling accident and medical malpractice cases across Florida for over 30 years. We understand how insurance companies work. If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in an accident in South Florida or Southwest Florida, contact the Miami Lakes and Naples accident attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen at 305-374-1011 or 239-793-3331, or visit fairnessforall.com for an absolutely free and confidential legal consultation to learn more about your options.
