Among the many tactics insurance companies are trying on for size in an effort to squeeze profits from auto accident victims, among the worst is simply pretending that relevant policies do not exist. For example, a 29-year-old graphic designer and waitress from Marietta, GA, was involved in an accident in 1996. Her car was hit head-on by an SUV, fracturing her skull and crushing her face. However, she was not told for over two years that the driver of the other vehicle had $1 million in umbrella coverage for both home and auto accidents from State Farm Insurance. As she struggled to pay medical bills, she sought help from a lawyer, who was able to force the company to disclose the coverage.
This goes far beyond claims that recently decreased injury payouts are because the insurance companies are seeking to minimize fraud in soft-tissue injury claims. Obviously, the woman was not making a fraudulent claim, she had suffered a catastrophic injury, and obviously the insurance company concealed the pertinent policy.
State Farm claims that the failure to reveal the policy is due to incomplete computer files and internal miscommunication, but statistics show that in 70% of cases, State Farm concealed the existence of this form of policy. Statistically, it seems unlikely that this could possibly be due to any simple error. Rather, it seems part of a systematic attempt to minimize payouts, already admitted by the company.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an injury accident, the new insurance company policies make it necessary that you get a lawyer to follow-up. No matter what settlement you are offered, the odds are that more is being withheld. Contact Kennedy Hodges, LLP today to get an experienced personal injury lawyer in the Houston, Texas area.
