Question: My insurance company is responding slowly after an Atlanta car crash – is this normal?
The Short Answer:
Unfortunately, insurance delays are a common problem. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over the needs of their policyholders. They may use tactics like:
- Denying Claims: Insurance companies may try to deny your claim altogether, often citing technicalities or making unreasonable demands.
- Lowball Offers: Even if your claim is valid, the insurance company may offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.
- Delay Tactics: Insurance companies may simply delay processing your claim, hoping you’ll give up or accept a lower settlement.
If you’re dealing with slow response times from your insurance provider, then it’s important to understand your rights and steps you can take to ensure you get a fair settlement.
About Schneider Williamson
Schneider Williamson is a personal injury litigation firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm handles litigation, discovery, and mediation for a wide variety of personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents, car accidents, traumatic brain injury, and more.
Why Do Insurance Companies Take So Long to Respond?
There are several reasons why insurance companies are slow to respond to your claim. Sometimes, these reasons are very practical, but in many cases, the insurance company is simply using delay tactics to minimize the payout.
Common reasons for slow responses include:
- Understaffing: Insurance companies may be understaffed, leading to longer processing times.
- Complex Claims: Accidents involving multiple vehicles or significant injuries can require extensive investigation, which can take time.
- Denial Tactics: Insurance companies may intentionally delay or deny claims to avoid paying out.
- Lowball Offers: By delaying the claims process, insurance companies may hope to pressure claimants into accepting lower settlement offers.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to make a profit. By delaying claims, they can boost their profits.
“The best way to expedite the claims process is to gather sufficient evidence after the car accident, including photo evidence, police reports, medical documentation of your injuries, and records of your expenses. That does not guarantee a timely response from the insurance provider, nor does it guarantee they will offer you a fair settlement. But having evidence will keep the insurance provider in line and help you determine whether or not their settlement offer is fair.”
-Campbell Williamson, Founding Partner, Schneider Williamson
How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Investigate a Claim?
In Georgia, insurance companies must:
- Acknowledge your claim within 15 days
- Complete an investigation within 30 days
- Accept or deny liability within 60 days
See: GAC 120-2-52
However, it’s important to note that these laws only cover motor vehicle damage and do not necessarily apply to medical costs or loss of income that you might have suffered.
In Georgia, you have 2 years to file an insurance claim after a car accident, and it’s best not to file a claim until you have a full understanding of your medical costs, loss of wages, and auto repair costs.
During the investigation, insurance companies may request additional information or documentation to complete their investigation. While this can extend the process, it’s crucial to provide the necessary information promptly to avoid further delays.
To keep the process moving along swiftly, it’s important to collect thorough evidence that proves you were not at fault and that you truly incurred the injuries and expenses that you’re claiming.
Related Blog: What Evidence Should You Collect After an Atlanta Car Crash?
What Are My Insurance Investigation Rights?
As a policyholder, you have certain rights during the claims investigation process. These rights typically include:
- Prompt Acknowledgment: The insurance company should acknowledge your claim within a reasonable time.
- Fair Investigation: The insurer should conduct a fair and unbiased investigation.
- Access to Information: You have the right to access relevant information related to your claim.
- Reasonable Cooperation: While you are expected to cooperate with the investigation, the insurer must also be reasonable in its requests.
These rights might seem a little arbitrary, and it can be difficult to determine whether or not the insurance company is truly honoring them. It’s always best to consult with a personal injury attorney if you suspect that you’re not being treated fairly during the investigative process — especially if an accident caused significant injuries and/or expenses.
Related Blog: Unveiling Insurance Mistakes for Optimal Compensation
What To Do if the Insurance Company is Stalling
Take the following steps if you believe the insurance company is intentionally delaying the claims process:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, medical records, repair estimates, and other relevant documents.
- Follow Up Regularly: Maintain consistent contact with your insurance adjuster, sending written follow-up letters or emails to document your efforts.
- Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights.
“We’ve seen cases where the accident was not in dispute, with complete evidence proving the victim did not cause the wreck. But the insurance provider denied liability anyway or only offered minimal compensation. You never know what you’re going to get when you’re dealing with insurance. Personal injury attorneys are a valuable resource if you’re trying to recover significant expenses.”
-Jason Schneider, Founding Partner, Schneider Williamson
A personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company: Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit to pursue compensation through the legal system.
- Protecting Your Rights: An attorney can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
- Providing Expert Legal Advice: Your attorney can provide guidance on legal strategies and tactics, and can also help you collect evidence.
Related Blog: Car Wreck Lawsuit | A Case Study
Tired of fighting with your Georgia insurance company? If you’ve been injured in a car accident and aren’t getting the compensation you deserve, let Schneider Williamson fight for you. Our team of legal experts specializes in Georgia personal injury cases and has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements from tough insurance companies. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you get the justice you deserve.
