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In fault-based insurance states like Connecticut, it matters who causes a car accident. After an accident, the investigation reveals the cause of the accident and which driver was at fault, or the percentage of responsibility each driver contributed to the crash. The driver at fault—or the one who contributed 51% or more of the fault in the accident—is responsible for the damages through their auto insurance policy.
After an accident, an injury victim files a claim for damages like property damage to their car, medical expenses, and lost wages, fully anticipating the compensation they deserve. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to encounter reluctant insurers who persistently delay progress on a claim.
Many car accident survivors ask, “Why is the insurance company delaying my car accident claim?” An expert New Haven car accident lawyer can answer questions like this and assist you through the entire claims process.
Call (203) 888-8888 for all the legal help you need to get the justice you deserve.
The insurance company may persist in investigating the accident while attempting to assign fault to the injury victim. If an insurance adjuster finds that the car accident injury victim contributed to the cause or severity of the accident they can reduce the amount they pay out on the claim by the injury victim’s percentage of fault.
For instance, if the injury victim was speeding when the crash occurred, the insurance company could assign them 25% of fault and reduce a $100,000 car accident claim to a $75,000 payout.
It may seem all too obvious, but the insurance company may delay progress on the claim in the hopes that the injury victim will quietly go away. A surprising number of car accident victims give up on pursuing a car accident claim, especially if their medical insurance pays for their injuries and they begin moving on from the accident.
By delaying progress on the claim, the insurance company increases the chances of not having to pay out the compensation claim at all.
By endlessly delaying a car accident claim, asking for redundant paperwork, and failing to answer emails or return calls, the insurance company delays the progress of the claim in the hopes that the injury victim may accept a low settlement offer out of frustration or because the injury-related expenses are causing financial hardship.
Accepting a settlement requires signing away the right to file a lawsuit for further damages — a personal injury attorney in New Haven can help you reach your deserved settlement before this would occur.
By delaying paying a settlement to a car accident victim, the insurance company may hope to run out the clock on the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. If an injury victim cannot file a lawsuit because the statute of limitations has expired, they lose their power to compel the insurance company to offer a settlement.
Finally, extending the amount of time it takes to process a claim ultimately benefits the insurance company even if they do finally fully pay the claim. While the amount of the claim remains in the bank account of the insurance company it continues to grow interest in their account instead of in the injury victim’s bank account. By delaying the claim for as long as possible, the injury victim’s loss is the insurance company’s gain.
Experienced car accident attorneys understand and anticipate common insurance company tactics used to delay, dispute, or deny claims. It’s always best to hire a car accident attorney to represent your best interests and safeguard your rights.
Reach out to the car accident lawyers at Weber & Rubano online or at (203) 888-8888 and then direct all communication with the insurance company to your lawyer.