Auto insurance is a legal requirement for drivers in California. Car owners pay a premium to receive a certain amount of financial protection in the event of an accident. However, there are cases where insurance companies refuse to accept legitimate claims. In such cases, Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help people file a lawsuit to help them receive the financial compensation they deserve.
An insurance policy is essentially a legal contract in which the policyholder pays an insurance provider a specific amount or premium in exchange for financial compensation in the event of an accident. Insurance policies are very specific in terms of their coverage and can range from basic liability insurance to collision damage repairs to medical payments for injuries sustained in a car accident.
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Integrated State Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 121 deaths and 4,683 injuries related to motor vehicle crashes in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County in 2008 alone. In addition to the legal need to With auto insurance, the high number of car accidents in Los Angeles simply makes it sensible to have the financial backing of an insurance provider.
Unfortunately, insurance companies act in bad faith despite the availability of evidence to support the policyholder’s claim. They may use unreasonable interpretations of policy terms, deliberately withhold payments, or simply refuse to settle, or even process, a policyholder’s claim.
In some cases, a policyholder whose claim was denied by an insurer may appeal and have the opportunity to receive compensation for damages or injuries received. However, if an appeal to reverse the decision does not result in a favorable response from the insurer, contacting a Los Angeles personal injury attorney experienced in handling bad faith claims may be the best way to resolve the situation. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the claim, a lawyer may try to resolve the case through mediation or arbitration. If the insurer still refuses to settle despite the clear legality of a claim, an attorney may recommend taking the case to court.
Under California law, insurance companies must settle a claim quickly and fairly. However, the process can be complicated and confusing for those without a legal background or knowledge of the relevant laws. Los Angeles personal injury attorneys can provide essential legal advice and resources to help victims of insurance bad faith receive the financial compensation they deserve.