If you are the victim of a car accident in Seattle, Washington, you have most likely filed a claim in order to receive compensation for damages. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for car accident victims to experience Seattle insurance disputes when they are communicating with insurance companies. Insurance companies may not want to provide the settlement that you are entitled to, or they may believe that you were at fault for the accident.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident attorneys in Seattle, Washington, are here to provide our clients with the legal guidance that they need as they navigate Seattle insurance disputes. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly by insurance companies when you file a claim.
Understanding Insurance Company Tactics
Are you wondering how to settle Seattle insurance disputes? Before we dive into what options you have available, we need to explore the different types of tactics insurance companies may use to try to pay as little as possible.
Here are some common issues you may run into with your claim that you need to be aware of.
Denied Claims
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny auto claims due to a variety of reasons. Most insurance companies will deny claims if they determine that the claimant is fully or partially liable for the accident, does not have enough evidence to substantiate compensation, or submitted a false claim.
If your claim is denied and you believe it was an unfair decision, you need to hire an insurance dispute lawyer in Seattle to represent you, if you haven’t already. They can help you navigate appealing this decision so that your case is re-examined.
Offering Low Settlements
When it comes to handling auto accident claims in Washington, it is also very common for insurance companies to offer low settlement amounts. Sometimes, the insurance company may do this because of a lack of evidence or a pre-existing injury. Or, may also try to offer a low settlement even if it knows you deserve more as a way of saving money.
This is why you should never negotiate directly with insurance companies without the representation of an attorney.
Processing Delays
Insurance companies may also delay your case as a way of postponing making a settlement or trying to find information that goes against your claim. In Washington, insurers must complete their investigation within 30 days of being notified of the claim.
In most situations, simple claims will be resolved in a few weeks. So, if you feel that the insurance company is dragging out the process, this could potentially lead to a dispute.
Steps to Handle Disputes
When navigating bad faith insurance claims in Washington, you need to understand what motivates insurance companies. Most insurance companies are highly motivated to save as much money as possible, which makes it difficult to work with them if you want to receive a settlement.
When you file your case, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to it and their main job is to find reasons to pay you as little as possible. Because of this, they will look for ways of undermining or discrediting the validity of your claim and your right to receive a fair compensation amount.
With this knowledge, here are a few solutions you can use to handle insurance disputes in Seattle, Washington:
- Insurance policy: If you are experiencing any issues with your auto accident claim, the first thing you need to do is inspect your insurance policy. Carefully go over it to ensure you know exactly what your policy entails, especially when it comes to compensation.
- Collecting evidence: Some disputes may stem from a lack of evidence, so providing additional evidence is always beneficial. Try to track down additional evidence such as photos, witness statements, police reports, and medical bills.
- Communication: Maintain communication with the insurance adjuster to try to keep things as cordial as possible. Ideally, your insurance dispute lawyer should handle the majority of communication for you.
When to Escalate the Dispute
If your dispute isn’t going anywhere and the insurance company cannot be reasoned with, you may need to escalate your dispute. This may be necessary if the insurance company is acting unreasonably and the dispute is taking up a significant amount of time.
One way you can do this is to file a complaint with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, who may be able to intervene. Additionally, you could use mediation or arbitration so that a third party can help find a solution that everyone can agree on. Another step you could take is to file a lawsuit; however, you should only take this step if you have a Seattle attorney to help you build a case.
FAQ Section
What should I do if my insurance claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you need to hire an attorney, if you haven’t already done so, and appeal the decision.
How can I prove an insurance company is acting in bad faith?
To prove that the insurance company is acting in bad faith, you need to keep track of documentation that shows a wrongful claim denial or evidence that they delayed your claim.
Can I switch insurance companies during an unresolved dispute?
You have the right to switch insurance companies during an unresolved dispute, as your old insurance company will be required to cover your claim since the accident occurred when you still had coverage.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at NBF Accident Law
Handling auto accident claims can be overwhelming, especially if you have experienced an auto insurance claim denial. Insurance companies can be very difficult to work with, which is why you may need to fight for your right to receive compensation.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident lawyers will fight purposefully on behalf of auto accident victims in Seattle, Washington. We can help you navigate the complexities of Seattle insurance disputes, ensuring you are not pushed around or treated unfairly by insurance companies.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
