Lubbock Insurance Claims Attorney

Insurance claims can be difficult.  You might think that the insurance company is on your side, but too often, that is not the case.  A faltering economy and government bailouts for insurance companies have caused many insurance companies to sway their claims filing procedures in favor of the company and against the customer. This means that fewer claims are paid, many legitimate claims are denied, and profits are increased for the company.

Whether you have a life, property, long-term disability, auto, or any other type of insurance claim, having an experienced insurance claims attorney may get you results more quickly, and will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities.

Whether you have been the victim of an auto accident, vandalism, or a West Texas hailstorm, you may be unexpectedly thrust into the realm of insurance claims. Here are some important tips to successfully making your claim:

1. Following a loss, begin gathering and keeping important documentation immediately. This includes:
   • Receipts for items lost or damaged
   • Government reports (police reports)
   • Names and addresses of witnesses
   • Photographs
   • Description of what happened
   • Receipts for any costs you incur related to the loss
2. When you are contacted by an insurance adjuster, be sure to get their name, telephone number, and the claim number.
3. Understand that the insurance adjuster does not represent you, and it is not their job to protect your interests. They work for a profit-making company, and their most significant obligation is to their company and its shareholders. Often this duty is fulfilled by paying as little as possible to settle your claim.
4. If you give a statement about how an accident or other loss happened, understand that this will be recorded, and will forever become the record of your contention as to what happened. For that reason, give information that is as accurate, truthful, and as complete as possible.
5. Do not hesitate to ask the adjuster to send you something in writing stating that their company agrees to accept full responsibility for the loss or claim, even when still negotiating the value of the claim.
6. Ask for promises or commitments of any kind to be reduced to writing. This will give you a record of what has been promised to you, and reduce the possibility of misunderstanding, or miscommunication due to change in personnel (which happens frequently in the insurance industry).
7. Do not sign anything until you are fully satisfied that you understand your legal rights and the importance of what you are signing. If you have questions, don’t ask the adjuster, you need to obtain accurate, truthful independent legal advice from a trained attorney.
8. If you and the insurance adjuster do not agree on the value of a property damage claim, it may be helpful to get your own independent appraisal from a property damage appraiser. Appraisers can often be found through attorneys, auto body shops, or realtors (building damage).

No matter what kind of insurance claim you have, consultation with an attorney can help you to understand your rights and options, and help you maximize the value of your claim. At the Hogan Law Firm, we are ready and able to assist you with your insurance claim questions.