DEALING WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS

The insurance industry is enormously profitable because it is successful in charging much more in premiums than it pays out in claims. To keep the cost of claims to a minimum, the insurance industry employs highly trained "adjusters" who are skilled in handling claims in a way that serves the interests of the insurance company. Our lawyers are highly skilled in handling all aspects of the often confusing claims process.  Please call us today for help eith your injury claim: 979-776-9551.

Here are a few tips to help you in dealing with insurance claims and adjusters:

Never allow an insurance company to be the sole point of contact with the repair shop that is fixing your car. It is far too easy for the insurance company to instruct the repair shop to use low quality parts or used parts or to make incomplete repairs. You should always be in direct contact with the repair shop and insist on high quality parts.

You should be aware that in Texas there is a two-year statute of limitations on most claims. Some insurance companies will give you the runaround until the limitation date passes. After that point, you will not be able to be reimbursed for your damages. Some states have a one-year statute of limitations and some claims require that written notice be given to the party that caused your injuries within specified time periods. Don't delay in making your claim.

If you are told to pay your own health care bills, car repairs or rental car bills with the promise of reimbursement at a later date, then you should proceed with utmost caution and get the promise in writing. Far too often, reimbursement promises are not kept, leaving you obligated to pay a tab that may be more than you can afford.

You should also proceed with caution if you receive a letter from an insurance company promising a speedy settlement or if the adjuster is pushing you to conclude your claim. As a general rule, a speedy settlement protects the insurance company's profits - not necessarily your interests. All too often victims rush to a settlement and then, after it's too late, realize their losses are far greater than they originally believed.

If your vehicle is "totaled" and the insurer tries to exclude certain charges from your automobile property damage settlement, you should proceed with caution. All charges associated with your accident should be covered including: the fair retail market value of your vehicle, taxes, titles and transfer charges.

You should also proceed with caution if you are advised not to make a claim against your own insurance if the accident is someone else's fault. Always submit a claim when involved in an accident. Your insurance company is responsible for providing the repairs you need and seeking repayment from the other person's insurance company. Your company cannot increase your premiums for an accident that is someone else's fault. If you don't submit the claim to your company you may be substantially delayed in getting your car repaired or replaced while you haggle with the other person's insurance company.

Fred Davis is certified as a specialist in the fields of Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm of Davis & Davis handles cases involving wrongful death, defective products, auto and truck accidents, general personal injury, medical and legal malpractice, and nursing home abuse. If you need a lawyer in Bryan, College Station or any of the surrounding counties or communites, call Davis & Davis now: 979-776-9551.

TIP: Insurance adjusters are highly trained professionals who are skilled in advocating the best interests of their insurance companies. In dealing with insurance adjusters, you should be aware that their allegiance is to their company and not to you.

If you have complaints about an insurance company or an adjuster, contact the Texas Department of Insurance: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/complfrm.html