Getting hurt in an accident is tough enough. But when your own insurance company starts giving you the runaround, it feels like a betrayal. Unfortunately, insurance bad faith happens more often than people think in Palm Beach Gardens and across Florida.
Understanding Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance bad faith occurs when your insurance company fails to handle your claim fairly and honestly. This doesn’t just mean they deny your claim. Bad faith can take many forms, and recognizing these tactics can help protect your rights.
Your insurance company has a duty to investigate your claim promptly and thoroughly. They must communicate with you clearly and pay valid claims without unreasonable delays. When they fail to do these basic things, they may be acting in bad faith.
Common Bad Faith Tactics to Watch For
Insurance companies sometimes use sneaky tactics to avoid paying what they owe. Here are some red flags:
- Delaying tactics
Your insurer might drag their feet on investigating your claim or request the same documents multiple times. They know that desperate accident victims might accept lowball offers just to get some money.
- Lowball settlement offers
If they offer you far less than your medical bills and lost wages, that’s a warning sign. A legitimate insurance company should explain how they calculated their offer.
- Denying valid claims
Sometimes insurers deny claims that should clearly be covered under your policy. They might claim your injuries aren’t related to the accident or that you had pre-existing conditions.
- Poor communication
If your adjuster stops returning calls or takes weeks to respond to simple questions, this could indicate bad faith handling of your case.
What You Can Do About It
Don’t let insurance companies push you around. You have rights, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
First, document everything. Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company. Save emails, take notes during phone calls, and request written explanations for any claim denials.
Second, review your policy carefully. Understanding what coverage, you bought helps you spot when the insurance company isn’t living up to their promises.
Third, don’t accept the first offer without thinking it through. Insurance companies often start with low offers, hoping you’ll take quick money instead of fighting for what you deserve.
The Legal Side of Bad Faith Claims
Florida law protects consumers from insurance bad faith practices. If your insurance company violates their duty to handle your claim fairly, you might be able to sue them for damages beyond your original claim. This is where a Palm Beach Gardens personal injury lawyer can help.
These lawsuits can result in compensation for the extra harm caused by the bad faith conduct. This might include additional medical expenses you incurred because of delayed treatment, emotional distress, and even punitive damages in severe cases.
When to Call a Lawyer
You should consider getting legal help if your insurance company denies a valid claim, offers unreasonably low settlements, or stops communicating with you altogether. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and determine if bad faith has occurred.
Remember, insurance companies have teams of lawyers working for them. You deserve to have someone fighting for your interests too.
Moving Forward
Dealing with insurance bad faith adds stress to an already difficult situation. But you don’t have to face this alone. Understanding your rights and recognizing bad faith tactics puts you in a stronger position to get the compensation you deserve.
If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith after your Palm Beach Gardens accident, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of holding them accountable and getting the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.
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