Disaster strikes, and you need your insurer. But are you ready to face the realities of your situation? Here are a few more insurance company half-truths that could put you in need of a Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer.
A Strained Definition of Loyalty
You might think that because you have paid your premiums year after year, your insurer might feel compelled to stick by you through thick and thin. Think again: for insurance companies, it is a matter of dollars and cents. In the latest example, the biggest insurer in Texas, State Farm, is declining to renew homeowner policies for 11,000 loyal customers across five Texas counties in an effort to lower the company’s exposure to risk.
True or False: Weathering a Storm Means Higher Rates
Some insurance companies would have you believe that the moment a storm hits, they need to raise premiums in order to make up for their payouts to customers. Yet, you have already paid them in advance for these expenses: actuaries working for insurance companies are well aware of the history of severe weather in Texas, and they figure the cost of potential storm damage into their projections that determine the rates you already pay. Insurers do not need to raise rates after a big storm, but it might give them a convenient excuse to do so.
Arbitration Is (Not) Better For Policyholders
Many insurance policies contain a clause, often hidden in the fine print, that any disputes between the insurance company and you, the policyholder, will be settled through arbitration. This means you may be unable to go to court if your insurer refuses to pay your valid claim, instead of having to settle for arbitration.
Insurers often claim that arbitration is better, cheaper and faster than court. It very well may be – for them. For individuals, arbitration can not only be costly, but it also deprives them of the procedural tools available in court that allow consumers to stand on equal footing with big insurance companies.
Stand Up For Your Rights, Whatever Insurers Say
It’s another tired slogan of the insurance industry: policyholder lawsuits increase premiums for everyone. Yet, insurers fail to point out how they cause disputes in the first place by delaying, denying and defending against valid claims. Rather than costing policyholders, legal actions are the one way they have to fight back and get the full benefits they are due.
Do not let insurers pull a fast one on you with their disinformation. Talk to an attorney today, and stay tuned for more on insurance company myths.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
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