Were you injured in an accident in St. Louis, MO? If an insurance company has intentionally delayed or denied your claim, you may have the right to pursue a bad faith claim against them.
Proving bad faith can sometimes be challenging, and you need an experienced lawyer on your side who knows how to handle these claims. The team at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers has over 30 years of combined experience helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
Call us today at 636) 519-0085 to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis bad faith insurance lawyer.
How Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Bad Faith Insurance Claim in St. Louis
Some ways that our St. Louis bad faith insurance attorneys can help you include:
- Investigating your original claim for damages
- Gathering evidence to prove how the adjuster or insurance company acted in bad faith
- Handling all communications with the insurance company
- Negotiating a settlement that compensates you for all your damages
- Filing a lawsuit and taking the insurance company to court when they refuse to offer you a fair settlement for your claim
Whether you have been hurt in a car accident, truck accident, or some other type of accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you have more than likely filed an insurance claim. While most insurance companies attempt to resolve claims fairly, some do everything possible to avoid paying claims. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers who know how to navigate the system to their advantage.
It may seem intimidating to take on a large insurer, but rest assured that Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers will be with you every step of the way. Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and other prestigious legal organizations.
Call us today to speak to a St. Louis personal injury lawyer who is ready to get started helping you.
How Common Are Bad Faith Insurance Claims?
It is difficult to determine exactly how often insurance companies deal in bad faith when a claim is filed. However, recent data suggests that bad faith claims are on the rise. It is becoming more common for insurance companies to stop communicating with an insured after an accident or make a settlement offer that is clearly less than the claim’s value.
What Are the Requirements for a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?
Missouri law generally requires three elements to be present in a bad faith claim. Those elements are:
- A valid insurance policy was in place.
- The insurance company refused to pay for covered losses.
- There was no reasonable cause or valid excuse for the refusal.
If you can prove these three elements, you have a good chance of success with your claim.
What Are Bad Faith Insurance Practices?
Practically speaking, some common practices that could be considered bad faith are:
- Intentionally delaying the processing of a claim
- Refusing to pay a claim without investigating it
- Misrepresenting facts about the claim or the coverage available
- Changing the details of a policy after a claim has been filed
Insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith and deal fairly with policyholders.
What Damages Can I Recover From My Claim in St. Louis?
Victims of these shady practices are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, and punitive damages are also available in most cases. Victims may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Damage to credit
- Loss of reputation
- Emotional distress due to the insurance company’s actions
In addition to these and other compensatory damages, victims may be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the insurance company for its actions and deter similar conduct in the future.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Missouri?
Missouri law generally allows victims five years to bring a bad faith insurance claim in court. If a claim is not filed within this timeframe, then you may lose all your rights to recover compensation from the insurer. The best way to ensure that you do not lose your ability to hold the insurance company accountable is by seeking help from an experienced lawyer.
Let the team at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers investigate your claim and put together a winning strategy for your case.
Contact Our St. Louis Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Has your insurance claim in St. Louis, Missouri been delayed or denied? Contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation with a St. Louis bad faith insurance attorney who can help you stand up to the insurance company. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
