Insurance Claim Lawyer Philadelphia

If you ever need to file an insurance claim, you expect the damages to be covered. But what happens when a few weeks go by and the company rejects your claim? Or what if the company suddenly changes the terms of your contract without your permission?

Pennsylvania holds insurers accountable for providing ethical and reasonably prompt service. But even though there are dozens of laws that mandate agent and company behavior, insurers sometimes take a chance to see if you will settle for less.

Filing a Successful Insurance Claim in Pennsylvania

There are a few tricky problems when this happens. If you are waiting to collect so you can pay medical bills, for example, you may not have the luxury of time to wait while an insurance agent double-checks paperwork and quotes you a new amount in a few days or weeks. Alternately, you may receive a settlement that far exceeds your expectations and eagerly agree to the amount – only to later realize that you waived important rights by signing off on a check. To avoid these issues, you must know how to file a successful insurance claim in the Keystone state.

1. Stay updated: Insurance companies will use anything they can to lower your payout or deny a claim entirely. Thus, you must stay current on all payments. Also, carefully review your contract before an accident happens. If you are worried about certain coverage options or liabilities, speak to your agent before an accident happens.
2. Document carefully (and thoroughly): When an accident does happen, how you react initially often determines whether the settlement pans out. For example, failing to detail a car accident (taking pictures and notes) before moving your vehicle off the road may lead to inconsistent explanations or conflicting evidence between drivers. This complicates the process, and even if you do receive compensation, it will likely be a long process.
3. Understand your rights and what to expect: Sadly, it is plain irresponsible to assume insurance companies have your best interests at heart. In fact, they would make a lot more money if you thought this were true. When you sit down to file a claim, consider if you should go through your own insurance or another person’s – whether it’s a driver or a contractor. Also, make sure you leave with a claim and an idea of when the company will contact you with a final report. You may also request an estimate of the final award.

If a delay or rejection does come up, do not quit. Ask to see the report, and ask your agent how the company came to this decision. You may even run into problems if the company approves your claim; e.g., after a car accident, make sure a reputable mechanic repairs the vehicle with top-quality parts. Larger claims, such as life or homeowner’s insurance disputes, may run into bigger issues. Do not be afraid to contact an experienced attorney for advice and an assessment.

Delays and rejections are common. Insurance companies would likely go out of business if they accepted every claim without scrutinizing or contesting it. Unfortunately, an insurer may act in bad faith if it has unreasonably denied your claim.

Keep These Companies Accountable – Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Attorney

If an insurance company is contesting your claim, carefully review the document and ask what went wrong. Double-check your contract as well to ensure you have not missed any fine print. And finally, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Philadelphia injury attorney for a personal look at your dispute.

The compassionate accident lawyers in Philadelphia at Ciccarelli Law Offices helps clients across Philadelphia and the surrounding areas settle their insurance claims for exactly what is due them. If you feel an insurer is acting in bad faith, reach out to us today for more information.