Why Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Get a Lawyer
Posted in: Insurance Issues
Despite such claims to fame as the sponsor for the Sugar Bowl, BCS National Championship Game, and other college football events, Allstate’s reputation as a leading provider of car insurance has been somewhat tarnished in recent years. As one of the largest players in the industry, the company puts injured victims at a serious disadvantage instead of holding them “in good hands.”
If you suffered injuries in an Ohio motor vehicle collision, you could face a difficult fight in getting an insurance company to pay your claim. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, their objective is to protect their company and grow their profits. The Ohio insurance claim lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick aggressively pursue insurance companies, especially those who employ bad faith methods in handling your claim.
To schedule a free consultation of your case, please call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW, or reach out via our online form. Time is of the essence since the state statute of limitations on personal injury cases is just two years from the date of the accident.
Founded in 1931, Allstate was one of the first companies to sell auto insurance policies by mail, a business model that resulted in enormous expansion over the next few years. By 2017, it was ranked in the top five U.S. auto insurers and was providing additional insurance products, including homeowner’s policies, life insurance, business coverage, and more.
These successes aside, Allstate has also received criticism for bad faith tactics in denying third-party claims of victims injured through the negligence of its own policyholders. In addition, angry parties have filed lawsuits alleging Allstate:
Though you do have rights as the victim of a car crash, recovering compensation for your losses requires strict compliance with the insurer’s policies and procedures. Generally, Allstate’s process involves filling out the right forms and listing the details of your damages.
You must support your claim with proper documentation regarding the cause of the collision, your injuries, medical care, and other information.
Unfortunately, even when you supply all the right paperwork, the Allstate claims process is still an uphill battle. The representative assigned to handle your matter will scrutinize every detail, looking for reasons to reject your claim or offer an inadequate settlement amount.
Employees know all the tricks intended to discourage you from pursuing your rights, such as telling you:
When you understand the tricks insurance representatives use to fight your claim for compensation after an accident, you can see the importance of retaining skilled legal counsel in a car crash case.
An attorney puts your needs first and won’t settle for anything less than what’s sufficient to cover your losses. With the help of an experienced insurance bad-faith lawyer, you may be able to recover:
For the most part, Allstate’s settlement process is faster than many other companies. You can usually expect an offer within 30 to 45 days after completing the necessary forms and documentation. After a settlement is reached, Allstate also sends settlement checks relatively quickly as well.
However, you should be wary of a settlement offer that comes too fast. Low-ball car accident settlements are a well-known tactic for getting people to accept less than what they deserve. It’s usually best to consult a lawyer about what to expect and what’s a reasonable timeframe.
No. Insurance adjusters are not interested in your well-being. Any statement you make about your accident, the events leading up to it, and possible fault could hinder any future legal action or undervalue your claim.
Not without consulting s lawyer. While submitting medical documentation is usually required as part of your injury claim, insurance companies like Allstate look for any way to diminish your injuries. You may be asked to submit your complete medical history or undergo extra exams.
If you’re filing under your own insurance policy, you must report the accident as soon as possible. But that does not mean you have to immediately file an injury claim against the insurance company of the party at fault for a car accident. claim. Allstate will consider claims after years, but the Ohio statute of limitation in personal injury claims still applies and allows you 2 years to file.
If you receive a denial from Allstate after filing an insurance claim, don’t worry. You have the right to appeal the decision, but it’s wise to consult a lawyer. If you were wrongly denied or offered a low-ball amount, an attorney can review your options and advise you accordingly.
When insurance companies engage in misconduct by denying the rightful claims of injured victims, they disregard Ohio laws on insurance bad faith. You do have rights, and the attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick will aggressively fight to protect them.
Please contact us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free consultation, or reach out online to learn more about our legal services.