Have you been hurt in an accident in Phoenix, Arizona, but the insurance company is refusing to pay your claim? If so, contact Rack Law Accident Lawyers at (602) 661-6300 for a free consultation with a Phoenix bad faith insurance lawyer. If an insurance company has acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to recover additional compensation.
We have more than 40 years of experience helping accident and injury victims stand up to insurance companies and secure the compensation they deserve. You should not be the one who suffers because a big insurance company is trying to protect its bottom line.
How Rack Law Accident Lawyers Can Help With a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Phoenix, AZ
After an accident, medical bills and lost income can quickly become overwhelming. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.
Rack Law Accident Lawyers represents injury victims throughout Phoenix, AZ, and can help by:
- Investigating the details of your original claim
- Assessing all available insurance coverage
- Reviewing the coverage details and exclusions of the insurance policy
- Handling all communications with the insurance company
- Gathering evidence to help prove your claim
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence of the insurer’s claim-handling practices
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement for all your damages
- Filing a bad faith lawsuit and taking your case to a jury when necessary
The thought of taking on a big insurance company on your own can seem overwhelming, and winning these cases without the help of a personal injury lawyer can be challenging. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix bad faith insurance attorney who is ready to help you get the justice you deserve.
Overview of Bad Faith Insurance
When an insurance company issues a policy, it has a legal duty to handle covered claims in good faith. This means reasonably investigating claims and paying valid claims promptly. If it fails to do so, it may be liable for damages caused by its bad-faith conduct.
Some common examples of behavior that may be considered bad faith are:
- Denying a claim without performing any investigation
- Intentionally delaying the processing or payment of a claim
- Failing to respond to communications within a reasonable timeframe
- Changing the terms of coverage after a claim has been filed
- Misrepresenting the terms of your coverage during the claims process
- Not providing a valid reason for why a claim was denied
- Intentionally offering to settle for substantially less than what the claim is worth
Insurance companies are expected to treat policyholders fairly, but some deny or undervalue valid claims to reduce payouts. If you believe an insurer has acted in bad faith, an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and hold the company accountable.
What Types of Damages Are Victims of Bad Faith Insurance Entitled to Recover?
Victims of this unfair and unlawful practice may be entitled to recover compensation for all their losses. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include purely financial losses, such as:
- Wrongfully denied insurance benefits
- Late fees
- Interest charges
- Additional financial losses or penalties
Non-economic damages provide compensation for your intangible losses, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of reputation
- Damage to credit
In rare cases, you might also be entitled to recover punitive damages. In Arizona bad faith insurance cases, these damages require clear and convincing evidence that the insurer acted with an “evil mind,” such as by intending to cause harm or acting with spite or ill will.
In What Types of Claims Does Bad Faith Insurance Occur?
Bad faith insurance could occur in any type of claim where insurance coverage is involved.
This includes most types of personal injury claims, such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defective products
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites
If you suspect the insurance company is not dealing in good faith, do not wait to get the help you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Bad Faith Insurance?
How long you have to file a bad faith insurance lawsuit in Arizona depends on the type of claim you have.
If you are seeking compensation because the insurance company’s bad faith caused you additional harm beyond the policy itself, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. If you are claiming the insurance company violated the terms of your insurance policy, you generally have six years to bring a breach of contract claim.
Some cases involve both types of claims, and determining which deadlines apply can be complicated. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights and ensure you do not miss an important filing deadline.
Contact Our Phoenix Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If the insurance company has acted in bad faith when handling your claim, contact the experienced team at Rack Law Accident Lawyers today. We know what it takes to win these complex claims and protect your legal rights. Call us now to schedule your free consultation with a Phoenix bad faith insurance attorney.
