If I File Against My Own Insurance, Will My Rates Go Up?
Many injured victims want to know if filing a claim against their own insurance company will cause their rates to increase. Under Georgia law, if you have to file against your own insurance company, no insurer can surcharge the premium charged on a policy of motor vehicle insurance. Also, no insurer may cancel any policy as long as the insured person was involved in a multi-vehicle accident and the insured was not at fault.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects injured victims. Many drivers operate motor vehicles without having personal liability insurance or casualty insurance, so it is highly recommended that all drivers purchase uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, at fault drivers often do not carry enough insurance to make you whole for all of your losses and underinsured motorist coverage will protect you in this scenario. Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance allows an injured victim to file an insurance claim with the insurance company that writes his or her insurance policy. For help with an insurance claim, speak with a Cumming car accident attorney today.
Effects of a Claim on Your Own Insurance
Individuals may worry about their insurance rates increasing or losing insurance coverage if they file an uninsured motorist claim. O.C.G.A. 33-9-40 states that an insurer may not increase the rate an insured pays on a policy of motor vehicle insurance. Insurance companies in Georgia cannot punish an insured simply because that insured files an uninsured motorist claim.
Injured victims do not have to fear losing coverage or paying a higher insurance premium if they file a claim against their own insurance company. Some insurance companies may try to confuse or intimidate policyholders against filing a claim. Others may offer the insured a low settlement offer. Insurance companies may also deny an insurance claim. Having an attorney represent you during settlement negotiations can help injured victims recover a complete settlement for all of their losses.
It Is A Good Idea To Have An Attorney Represent An Injured Victim During Negotiations With An Insurance Company
Insurance claims adjusters often do not act in the best interests of injured victims who assert claims against them. Experienced personal injury attorneys know how to predict what representatives of the insurance company will do to protect their interests such as offering an injured victim a very low settlement offer before they even know the full extent of their injuries and the medical treatment and billing required to be made whole. If you agree to a settlement over the phone with an insurance company before consulting with an attorney, it will be enforceable in court and there will be nothing any attorney can do to rescind your agreement to settle your claim for less than reasonable compensation. Protecting yourself is paramount because insurance companies are always concerned about their revenue and profit.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help injured victims file claims against any liability or uninsured motorist policy required to be made whole, gather necessary evidence proving causation for the wreck and the seriousness of their bodily injuries, and make a proper demand to the insurance companies to ensure a complete settlement for all losses. If an insurance company is giving you the run around, denying your claim, or attempting to offer you a quick settlement, it is absolutely necessary that you seek legal representation immediately!
Contact An Experienced Cumming Personal Injury Attorney Today
The attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP can help injured victims negotiate with insurance companies. Hiring a personal injury attorney can give injured victims a great advantage when dealing with insurance companies. Injured victims should never hesitate to file an insurance claim against their own insurance company.
Having an attorney by your side can help you counter the tactics used by insurance companies to deny claims. Contact Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP today to schedule a free consultation and discuss the facts of your case. Our team can help you begin the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim and acquiring the settlement amount that will help you pay all of your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.