Insurance companies make a lot of money because they increase premium prices and deductibles and then reduce liability coverage wherever they can. Many policyholders and claimants report abusive and unfair behavior by insurance companies.
There are various ways in which insurance companies try to use their financial strength and knowledge to their own advantage. For instance sometimes insurance company adjusters attempt to pressure claimants into speedy and unfair settlements. In one case a man who could not read, but had been involved in an automobile accident and had suffered injuries was offered a settlement release for his approval and signature. Even though he was told orally that the check he received at the time of the release was only one of several payments to come, the release indicated it was a full release of the at fault driver and a full and final settlement for the payment in the check given at the time of the release.
Unfortunately, for the poor illiterate man, the court was unwilling to undo the release because the adjuster testified that he had explained at length that the amount of the single payment was for a full release, which directly contradicted the statements of the illiterate man. In the face of a signed release and conflicting testimony the court was unwilling to set aside the release.
Make sure that you protect yourself from unfair insurance company tactics. If you have been in an automobile collision resulting in injuries make sure that you have adequate representation, and do not sign anything until you have sought appropriate legal advice.
