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What to do When Paying for Insurance Only Buys You Bad Faith

R. Rex Parris — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:17:00 GMT

We all have insurance against the unexpected. In some cases, it's the law—in others, it's simply a prudent thing to do. Provided you've read the fine print and understand exactly what your insurance policy does--and does not--cover, you pay the premiums and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're covered against car accident injuries, or any other covered eventuality. Right?

Not necessarily.

The R. Rex Parris law firm has seen plenty of occasions where insurance companies demonstrate bad faith insurance by stalling paperwork, misplacing documents and, ultimately denying legitimate claims. In fact, here are the top bad faith insurance tactics used by the insurance companies:

Failing to pay a claim in a timely manner;
Offering a lower amount than the claimant is entitled to;
Failing to defend a policyholder against a third-party claim;
Using a policyholder's previous claims as grounds to deny a new claim;
Failing to fully investigate a claim;
Misrepresenting important facts or policy provisions as they relate to coverage;
Misuse of a policyholder's medical records;
Requiring excessive paperwork;
Canceling a policy after a claim is made;
Purposely targeting high-cost claims for denials;
Ignoring expert opinion in cases where that opinion would result in a claim being paid;

This is not why you buy insurance. You buy insurance and pay your premiums with the expectation that you'll be covered in the event of an accident or injury. All too often, however, insurance company stalling tactics are more the norm, then the exception--after all, the insurance company doesn't make money by paying out claims. Their money is made in the premiums they collect.

To be sure, insurance companies have to ward against fraudsters submitting bogus claims—and there are plenty of people who will buy an insurance policy without disclosing a pre-existing condition, for example, pay their premiums for a couple of months, and then submit a claim with the intent of laughing all the way to their bank.

And we've certainly all read stories about those accident "victims" who post skiing trip pictures on Facebook while they're supposed to be recuperating in bed...

But that's not the case for most people. Most people never want to have to make an insurance claim--they just want to know that the insurance company will be there for them should they ever need it.

Sadly, our lawyers have seen plenty of instances where insurance companies have stonewalled legitimate claims in an attempt to wear down the claimant, and either completely avoid--or delay--payment of a claim for as long as possible.

Unfortunately, simply paying your premiums dutifully is no guarantee of a prompt response to your injury claim. This is where an attorney can help. Lawyers who are well versed in insurance industry tactics can represent you against a company that simply refuses to provide what is obligated under your policy.

Remember, bad faith insurance is not your fault. You've paid your premiums—premiums that are not refunded to you, even if you don't ever make a single claim. The least you expect is good service, when you do.

We'd like to think that your injury claim will be handled quickly and efficiently by your insurance provider. However, we also know that 'owning a piece of the rock' or being 'in good hands' is not necessarily going to avoid a bad faith insurance situation. When that happens, you can put your faith in a bad faith insurance attorney.

Why Do I Need An Attorney?

R. Rex Parris — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:20:00 GMT

It's a fair question. After all, shows like Judge Judy or Judge Joe Brown make it look like anyone can get up and represent themselves in court--so why not go for it? Of course, small claims cases differ from larger personal injury lawsuits. And that's where it really makes sense to seek out a Santa Clarita attorney.

Personal injury law can be complex--it truly is like learning another language. And not everyone likes to cozy up with hard-bound volumes of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, for example. It's definitely not light reading--but if you're going to file an injury claim or a personal injury lawsuit, it helps to have someone who's familiar with civil procedure law--and who can 'translate' it for you.

Someone like a Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer

The need for an attorney actually becomes apparent right after an injury has occurred--and yet many times victims will try to resolve things on their own. For example, a victim may have a Lancaster car accident injury or a Santa Clarita personal injury claim and try to resolve it on his own with his insurance company. Unfortunately, the insurer doesn't have your best interest at heart--its goal is to make money, not send it to you. Or, you may be badly injured and unable to keep up with the paperwork, reports, and quite frankly, arguing, that you'd need to do in order to see any compensation. Your lawyer is your advocate to ensure your legal bases are covered and that you receive proper damages for your injury claim.

But beyond haggling with an insurance company, a Santa Clarita attorney will understand all aspects of the law that affect your case. .

Take something like statute of limitations--which is how long you have to file a lawsuit. Most people think 'statute of limitations' means you have 2 years to file a lawsuit. Period. But it's not that simple. In fact, for a California personal injury claim, you may have 2 years to file but most wrongful death claims have only 1 year (except in asbestos lawsuits or medical malpractice lawsuits). And statute of limitations rules differ from state to state.

Understanding legalese can be difficult and it's our job to help you navigate this world.

There's an old saying--"Lawyers. Who needs 'em?"--usually said in a derogatory way. But when you have a personal injury claim and you need legal help, you really do need a lawyer. Better to have one on your side.

3 Important Steps to do After (and Before) a Santa Clarita Car Accident

R. Rex Parris — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:02:00 GMT

Statistics say you'll have more than one car accident in your lifetime. In fact, according to estimates by the automotive insurance industry, you will experience a collision once every 17.9 years.

The key is to know what to do...and what not to do. Here, 3 simple steps to follow to ensure you're as ready as possible should you find yourself in a Santa Clarita car accident:

1. Take a look at our car accident information form--now.

We've put a handy form on our site that outlines what info you'll need to track, and submit after a car accident. But our car accident attorneys suggest you check this out BEFORE you're involved in an accident--in fact, print out a copy and keep it in your glove compartment. Knowing in advance the type of car accident information to have should you find yourself an auto accident victim will help you in the long run.

Santa Clarita driving like driving anywhere these days can be hazardous--particularly as we're nestled in at the 5-14 split--traffic on I-5 and Highway 14 (Antelope Valley Freeway). If you think proactively about being prepared in the event of a car accident, you'll know how to properly respond if, and when a Santa Clarita accident happens.

2. Understand how insurance companies really work.

Given that our Santa Clarita accident attorneys are usually knee-deep in dealing with insurance companies after a car accident has happened, we know how car insurance companies work. Here's the bottom line: auto insurance companies are typical business enterprises designed to maximize profits and minimize costs. They're not classified as charities for a reason.

So even though you have a car insurance policy, your insurance company will pay you as little as they can get away with.

That means you might find yourself without adequate finances to fully cover medical expenses, unpaid time off from your job, car rental or car towing--all resulting from a Santa Clarita car accident and none of which an auto insurance company will want to generously cover. A car accident attorney (Santa Clarita-based is best if you've had your accident locally) can step in to work with the insurance company so you're not left doing so by yourself.

3. Car accident injuries may not show up immediately...so keep an eye on yourself.

It goes without saying--your first concern in any vehicle accident--car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, whichever--has to be your medical condition. Get medical help before anything else!

Having said that, many times a car accident injury may not present itself immediately at the time of the accident. That does not mean you should go around saying "I'm ok" to everyone--especially not your insurance company. You may have underlying medical issues yet to emerge--and, let's face it, going on record with your insurance company as being "ok" may not be in your best interests when you come back a couple weeks later with a car accident medical claim.

Our Santa Clarita auto accident lawyers can advise you on what to say, and what not to say, to an insurance company--or anyone else for that matter. It's important that you, and your passengers are in a position to maintain your rights under the law.

Will you have an auto accident in your lifetime? Yes--at least it appears that way statistically--and you'll have more than one. Nonetheless, there are steps you can take before, and after, a Santa Clarita auto accident to help yourself avoid insurance claim hassles, denied insurance claims, and to ensure your legal rights in a car accident are protected.

So go check out that car accident information form now--because while we'll be here to protect you after an auto accident, we really prefer that you don't have an accident in the first place!

Arrive Alive Targets California DUI Accidents, Lancaster Alcohol-Related Deaths

R. Rex Parris — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:00:00 GMT

As Lancaster drunk-driving accident lawyers, R. Rex Parris Law Firm's attorneys sadly hear about a lot of wrongful death and major injury cases that are caused by DUI drivers. Here's a frightening California car accident statistic to ponder: from 2006 to 2009, on a 45-mile stretch of SR-14 running between the 5-14 split and Lancaster, CA, 349 people were either injured or died in a California DUI car accident. That's according to LA County DUI accident statistics from the "Arrive Alive on SR-14" Sober Driving Coalition.

It's sobering news. When you step back and do the math, it means that roughly, for every eighth of a mile you drive on the CA SR-14 corridor, someone was a victim of a California DUI car accident--and some of those victims wound up being drunk driving deaths. Every eighth of a mile.

That grim DUI accident statistic is changing for the better.

The "Arrive Alive on SR-14" program aims to reduce the number of alcohol-related car accidents in Los Angeles County -- specifically, on the stretch of SR-14 between Santa Clarita and Lancaster, CA. In addition to the above statistic, it's a stretch of road that's sadly seen its share of DUI accidents and alcohol-related deaths -- with 4,057 Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley DUI arrests -- from 2007 to 2009.

In support of Arrive Alive, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers from the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita areas have been ramping up efforts to curtail drunk driving by increasing DUI enforcement on the roads. The CHP is on the lookout for California drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs resulting in speeding or making improper turns or unsafe passes. The officers will strictly enforce CA traffic laws.

R. Rex Parris is a proud member of the "Arrive Alive on SR-14" Sober Driving Coalition. While our firm is often called upon to help Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley DUI victims in a California DUI lawsuit, we hope that someday there won't be much need for a Lancaster DUI attorney -- or drunk driving accident lawyers in general -- because programs like "Arrive Alive on SR-14" will be a success.

Where Have All the Good Truck Drivers Gone?

R. Rex Parris — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:53:00 GMT

We Found Some..

It's refreshing to write about some good news—as a Santa Clarita truck accident lawyer, it's not often that we get to focus on positive news coming out of the trucking industry. Usually, it's the negligent conduct of either irresponsible truck drivers or the truck operators that hire them that get our attention.

Recently, however, at the Riverside Convention Center, Stater Brothers Supermarkets employees honored 297 drivers for 3,572 years of accumulated safe driving. Of the current roster, 10 drivers have travelled in excess of two million accident-free miles.

In California, truck accident lawyers don't tend to hear about such an accomplishment—not only by the drivers, but also by a company that appears to value accountability.

Sadly, this is the exception. Our Lancaster highways are overridden with unqualified drivers, unsafe trucks and operators who are not accountable. Little wonder R. Rex Parris' truck accident lawyers in Santa Clarita are in such demand.

There are too many examples of why victims seek out truck accident attorneys. Witness a resident of Long Beach, California--a truck driver and an admitted user of methamphetamine-- ploughing into another rig in Oregon and killing a father of four. The trucking operator did not conduct random drug testing of its drivers—nor did it have valid insurance on the day of the 2008 accident.

The $5.2 million truck accident settlement will not bring back a valued husband and father.

R. Rex Parris recently shared news of a $10.5 million settlement--the result of a horrendous Lancaster, CA accident involving a DHL delivery truck and an innocent victim. The DHL driver had run a red light while travelling at 50 mph, striking the passenger side of the victim's vehicle as it waited in the intersection to make a left turn. The truck accident left the victim seriously injured.

The question is what caused the accident?

Perhaps the investigating Sheriff's Deputy's testimony tells that story: the DHL driver had admitted to smoking marijuana on the morning of the Lancaster accident.

Notwithstanding the commendable actions of Stater Brothers of San Bernardino, CA and its California truck drivers, our Santa Clarita truck accident attorneys will continue to make available our expertise for plaintiffs or their loved ones negatively impacted by the actions of irresponsible truckers.

Welcome to our Personal Injury Blog

Personal Injury Attorney — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:09:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Personal Injury Blog with an RSS feed available at Personal-Injury-Blog/Entire-Blog-Feed/RSS.xml