Signs of Bad Faith Negotiations

Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence is scary, and it is normal to expect the at-fault party’s insurance company to fairly compensate. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies operate in good faith. Instead, some engage in bad faith negotiations to minimize or deny rightful claims, leaving injured individuals struggling to cover medical expenses and lost income.
When you are aware of the signs of bad faith negotiations, you can push back against unfair tactics. There are experts who can fortify your position. If you suspect an insurer is acting in bad faith, connect with an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney.
Indicators of Bad Faith Strategies
Bad faith negotiations occur when an insurance company intentionally delays, undervalues, or wrongfully denies a legitimate claim. Pennsylvania law requires insurers to act fairly and promptly, but some companies attempt to manipulate policyholders and claimants into accepting unfair settlements.
After an injury, be on the lookout for these red flags:
- Unreasonable delays. Insurance companies are required to process claims within a reasonable timeframe. If an insurer continuously delays responding to your claim, requests excessive documentation, or ignores your inquiries, they may be attempting to wear you down in hopes you’ll accept a low settlement or abandon your claim.
- Unjustified denials. A common bad faith tactic is denying claims without providing a clear or legitimate reason. If your claim is rejected with vague explanations or without reference to specific policy exclusions, it may be a sign that the insurer is acting in bad faith.
- Lowball offers. Adjusters often make initial offers that are far below the actual value of a claim. So if an offer is unreasonably low and the insurer refuses to provide justification or negotiate fairly, they may be trying to pressure you into settling for less than you deserve.
- Misrepresentation of terms. Some insurers attempt to mislead claimants by falsely interpreting policy language or suggesting that coverage does not apply when it actually does.
- Refusal to provide documentation. If an insurance company refuses to provide written explanations for denials, settlement calculations, or requested information about your claim, they may be trying to hide bad faith tactics.
To shield yourself from bad faith tactics, keep records of all communications, including emails, phone calls, and written correspondence. It is also important to demand that the insurer provide written explanations for delays, denials, or settlement offers.
Talk to an Attorney About Filing a Complaint
Pennsylvania law allows you to file complaints against insurers with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. You do not have to accept a bad offer. A Bucks County personal injury attorney can review your case, gather evidence of bad faith, and take legal action to secure fair compensation.
Were you told by an insurance adjuster that your claim is denied? If you’re dealing with an uncooperative insurance company, don’t let bad faith negotiations jeopardize your financial recovery. Contact the skilled legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. to ensure your claim is handled fairly and your rights are upheld. Call 215-515-2604 to explore your options.