Dallas Insurance Claims Attorney | Personal Injury Lawyer Richardson

Tag: bad faith claims

  • What to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas

    Driving is a big deal for people. It means independence. It allows people to have broader options in their daily lives. But it also means responsibility, especially if you have the misfortune of getting into an auto accident.

    No matter how skilled a driver you are, accidents can happen and lead to serious vehicle damage, injuries and even death. Many people think about how this would affect them, but what’s just as important is how it affects the driver and passengers of the other vehicle. This is why having adequate insurance coverage is so important. 

    Do I Have to Have My Vehicle Insured in Texas?

    Yes, you need to have auto insurance in Texas. If you’re driving and get into an auto accident, you’re legally required to show proof that you can pay for the damages.

    What Kind of Auto Insurance Do I Need?

    You need to be able to pay for the other driver’s vehicle damage and their medical bills if you’re the one who caused the accident. This means that, at minimum, you’ll need liability insurance with what’s referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.

    This type of coverage means your insurance covers up to $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 total per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

    However, this is only the required minimum, and there are some pretty compelling reasons to get more coverage. If you get into a big accident and the minimum doesn’t cover all the costs, the other driver could sue you for damages.

    Other types of insurance options include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, medical payments coverage and more. If you need to know all of your options, get in touch with an insurance company as soon as possible. This isn’t something you should delay.

    Can I Get in Trouble for Not Having Auto Insurance?

    Yes, you need to show proof of insurance if you get pulled over in Texas. If you don’t have insurance, the police officer could give you a ticket for as high as $350. If you get pulled over repeatedly, the fines can get even higher (up to $1,000) and your license could get suspended.

    What Happens if My Insurance Company Treats Me Unfairly?

    Sometimes an insurer denies a claim or refuses to pay it, while other times they fail to defend clients and compensate them according to the policy limits. In circumstances like these, people file what’s called a bad faith claim. If you find yourself in this situation, you’ll want the help of an experienced lawyer.

    Need an Attorney for Your Bad Faith Claim? Request a Consultation Now! 

    At The Fell Law Firm, our attorneys represent clients with bad faith insurance claims. Whether your insurance company has denied your claim, failed to defend you or refuses to compensate you, we can take action and fight for you. Call 972-450-1418 or send us a message online to schedule your consultation.

  • What to Do If You Suspect Your Insurance Company of Bad Faith

    When you purchase an insurance policy, whether it be for your health or to protect your home, you trust the company to protect you. Unfortunately, some insurance companies may often fail to honor the terms of the policy, also known as acting in bad faith.

    Common Examples of Insurance Bad Faith

    There are many ways an insurance company can act in bad faith. For example, your insurance company may deny a claim without giving a valid reason. Other signs of bad faith to look out for include:

    • Delays: Your insurer might fail to deny or pay your claim within a reasonable period on purpose.
    • Zero communication: You have the right to ask your insurer questions about your claims as well as any decision made. If your insurance company doesn’t respond to your calls or fails to inform you of a claim decision, they might be acting in bad faith.
    • Canceled policy: Did you file an insurance claim only to find out your insurer canceled your policy without informing you? This is a definite red flag of bad faith.
    • No investigation: Another telltale sign of bad faith is rejecting your home or auto insurance claim before investigating.

    3 Steps to Take Now If You Suspect Bad Faith

    Do you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith? If so, there are some necessary steps you must take to receive the compensation you need for your claim.

    1. Document your claim process: Take some time to document what has occurred during the claim process up until this point. For example, who is your contact at your insurance company? What is the reason for their denials thus far? This information will help build your bad faith case.
    2. Try to contact a supervisor or director: Some companies have a specific department that handles claim concerns. Others have a Director of Claims department. Get in contact with someone other than the individual you’ve been speaking with up until now. Communicate your concerns and document what they say in return.
    3. Reach out to an attorney: If you’re unable to get any movement with your claim, reach out to a lawyer. A bad faith attorney will help you receive compensation for your claim by working with your insurance company on your behalf.

    Call the Attorneys at The Fell Law Firm Today

    If you suspect bad faith insurance practices, you shouldn’t have to go through the legal process alone. Allow the experienced attorneys at The Fell Law Firm to help. To learn more about bad faith practices or to speak with an attorney, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message.