After a serious accident, dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. You expect your insurer to handle your claim fairly and promptly, but sometimes they don’t uphold their end of the bargain. When an insurance company deliberately delays, denies, or undervalues your legitimate claim without proper justification, they may be acting in bad faith.
At Hollis Law Firm, we proudly represent clients who have been wronged by insurance companies refusing to honor valid claims. Our experienced personal injury lawyer understands the tactics insurers use to avoid paying what you deserve and fights to hold them accountable.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to fulfill its obligations to a policyholder. When you pay premiums, you enter into a contract with your insurer. They agree to investigate claims fairly, communicate clearly, and pay valid claims promptly. When they violate these duties, they act in bad faith.
Bad faith can take many forms. An insurer might deny your claim without conducting a proper investigation. They could delay payment for months without legitimate reasons. Some companies offer settlements far below what your claim is worth, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. Others might fail to communicate about your claim or request excessive documentation to slow the process.
Common Bad Faith Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies use several tactics to avoid paying claims. Recognizing the following practices can help you identify when your insurer is not treating you fairly:
Unreasonable Claim Denials
Insurers sometimes deny legitimate claims without proper justification. They might claim your policy doesn’t cover your accident when it clearly does. Some companies misinterpret policy language to avoid payment. Others deny claims based on minor technicalities rather than the merits of your case. When an insurer denies your claim without a valid reason, they may be acting in bad faith.
Excessive Delays
Insurance companies have a responsibility to promptly investigate and process claims. When they drag out the process for months without justification, this may constitute bad faith. Delays can include failing to assign an adjuster quickly, postponing inspections unnecessarily, or taking excessive time to review documentation. These tactics pressure injured victims to accept lowball settlements simply to receive some compensation.
Lowball Settlement Offers
After an accident, you may need significant compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Insurance companies sometimes offer settlements far below what your claim is worth. They hope you’ll accept the first offer without understanding the full value of your case. This tactic exploits people who are desperate for financial relief after an accident.
Your Rights When Facing Insurance Bad Faith
You have legal protections when insurance companies act in bad faith. State laws require insurers to handle claims fairly and in good faith. When they violate these duties, you may have grounds to take legal action against them.
You have the right to a thorough investigation of your claim. Your insurer must communicate clearly about the status of your claim and any decisions they make. If they deny your claim, they must explain their reasoning. You also have the right to appeal a denial and seek legal help when your insurer treats you unfairly.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Insurance Bad Faith Claims
When you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, consulting with a personal injury lawyer can protect your rights. A lawyer can review your policy and claim to determine if your insurer violated their obligations. They can gather evidence of bad faith conduct, including correspondence, claim files, and payment records.
At Hollis Law Firm, we can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. When insurers know you have legal representation, they often take your claim more seriously. If negotiations fail, we can file a lawsuit against the insurance company. These cases can result in compensation not only for your original claim but also for the bad faith conduct itself.
Contact Hollis Law Firm If Your Insurance Acts in Bad Faith
If an insurance company is delaying, denying, or undervaluing your accident claim, you don’t have to accept their unfair treatment. Our Kansas City personal injury lawyer has the knowledge and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve. With over 15 years of practicing personal injury law, we understand the financial strain of dealing with both accident injuries and insurance company bad faith.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our approach focuses on listening to your needs and guiding you through the legal process so you can make informed decisions about your case. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you hold your insurer accountable.
