Bad Faith Insurance In Illinois: How Can You Fight It?

In this article, you will discover:

• How to protect yourself from bad-faith insurance companies.
• Common bad-faith tactics Illinois insurance companies use.
• How to gather evidence to support a claim of bad faith against an insurance company.

How Can I Protect Myself From Bad-Faith Insurance?

Certain insurance companies only issue state minimum policies and frequently deny or severely undervalue claims in a bad-faith manner. Illinois law does have specific protections for Illinois policyholders, but the best way to protect yourself is to hire a personal injury attorney to fight nonstandard insurance companies in court.

What Are The Most Common Bad-Faith Insurance Tactics Used By Companies?

The most common bad-faith tactics some insurance companies use are not responding to reasonable demands for settlement or responding with an unreasonably low offer. They will also prolong litigation as long as possible and deny claims they should not deny.

This strategy is bad for people who are injured in car accidents as well as for the insured, as frequently, these are cases wherein the insurance company should simply pay out on the claim.

Instead, some companies will insist that the party they insure show up for depositions and go to court. All of this can be a tremendous waste of time, and the insured party would be better off with a more reputable insurance company.

How Can I Gather Evidence To Support A Claim of Bad Faith Against An Insurance Company?

The evidence you will need to build your case includes…

• Photos and video footage of damage to the vehicles involved
• Medical records of treatment related to your accident injuries

You should also follow all of your doctor’s instructions and document any lost wages. These steps will create a clear record and ensure that if and when the insurance company refuses to pay out on the case, you have a strong argument to say that it was done in bad faith.

If your insurance company refuses to respond to your claim, reach out to an attorney who focuses on personal injury litigation and trial law.

Attorney Alexander Memmen is an experienced lawyer based in Chicago, IL, who has helped countless clients just like you navigate the intricacies of personal injury law. With almost two decades of experience, he is prepared to assist you in fighting your insurance claim denial so that bad-faith insurance companies are forced to pay you the recovery you’re entitled to.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Sharks At Law today to schedule an initial consultation.

How Can An Attorney Help Prove An Insurance Company Acted In Bad Faith?

A personal injury attorney will be familiar with the rules and laws surrounding what constitutes bad faith. They deal with these matters daily and understand how to prove a bad faith decision.

Your attorney will ask what evidence the insurance company had when it denied the claim and whether the company acted reasonably. They will also consider whether the extent of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the types of insurance involved point to a bad-faith decision on the part of an insurance company.

Case Study: Handling Bad Faith On The Part Of An Insurance Company

Just last week, our law firm helped resolve and settle a bad faith case. A driver rear-ended our client on the highway. He was a bus driver and had shoulder surgery, significant medical bills, and four months of wage loss. The case clearly was worth more than the insurance policy.

Even though the insurance company was not a substandard or bad faith insurance company, they were acting in bad faith by denying the claim because the liability and damages were clear.

We filed a lawsuit and were able to get the full policy limit on the client’s behalf. Fortunately, he was a public employee with good health insurance coverage. In the end the client was happy and the case was settled for a just and fair amount.

This process can be deeply frustrating for you as a client. You’re the one who was hurt, and you’re being told by the insurance company that you’re lying about the accident, your injuries, or both. That is why you must immediately preserve evidence and take all the correct steps, with a lawyer’s help, to ensure your claim is protected.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on fighting bad faith insurance in Illinois, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (312) 210-7229 today.