California Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer
Confronting the Insurance Companies and Upholding Your Rights in CaliforniaIf you have faithfully paid your insurance premiums, you have a right to expect that the insurance company will fulfill its part of the bargain. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy, for instance, you would expect the company to reimburse you for damage caused by an uninsured driver.
But what happens when the insurance company refuses to pay? What happens if it stalls, gives excuses, or only pays a small part of what you deserve? In these cases, you need a strong California insurance bad faith lawyer to stand up for your rights.
Hundreds of Millions Recovered
And 40 Years in Practice The case results listed are actual settlement and verdict results from cases recently handled by us. Because the facts and circumstances of every case are different, the results of other cases are not a guarantee of similar results in other cases. The results below do not include all cases, but they include a sample of different types of cases and show how much those results can vary.
Awards & Affiliations
Wells Call Injury Lawyers, has been honored for its professionalism, legal experience, and client care while handling personal injury law.
Below are some of the ways we’ve been recognized.
Recognizing Insurance Bad Faith in California
Insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith when handling claims. However, some may engage in unethical practices to avoid paying what policyholders deserve. Recognizing the signs of insurance bad faith can help you identify when you may need legal assistance. Here are some red flags:
- Unreasonable Delays in Processing a Claim: If your insurance company takes an excessive amount of time to process or respond to your claim, they may be stalling to avoid payment.
- Denial of a Claim Without a Valid Reason: A claim denial without providing a legitimate or clearly stated explanation may indicate bad faith.
- Offering a Low Settlement Far Below the Actual Value of the Claim: If the settlement offered is significantly less than your documented losses, the company might be acting in bad faith.
- Failing to Investigate the Claim Properly: Insurance companies have a responsibility to thoroughly investigate claims. Neglecting to gather the necessary information or investigate damages is a sign of bad faith.
- Misrepresenting Policy Terms: If an insurance company distorts or misinterprets your policy terms to justify a denial or low payout, it may be engaging in bad faith practices.
If you’ve experienced any of these issues, consult an experienced insurance bad faith lawyer in California to understand your rights and options.
How Our California Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers Protect Your Rights
The California law firm of Wells Call Injury Lawyers will be your legal champion against insurance bad faith and unfair treatment. Our bad faith insurance lawyers have decades of experience with:
- Homeowners insurance
- Auto insurance
- Medical payments coverage (“Med Pay”)
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Gap insurance on totaled vehicles
- Property damage claims
In addition to our services in the area of insurance bad faith claims, we are skilled in other insurance-related issues. For instance, we will carefully analyze any settlement offer that you receive after an accident to ensure it is fair. We will also make sure the settlement includes all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our law firm has an outstanding record of achieving clients’ goals at the negotiating table and through aggressive litigation in court.
Legal Remedies Available for Insurance Bad Faith
When insurance companies act in bad faith, they can be held accountable under California law. Victims of insurance bad faith may pursue the following legal remedies:
- Compensation for Denied Claims: You can seek reimbursement for the full value of the claim the insurance company wrongfully denied.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of intentional or egregious bad faith, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are meant to punish the insurance company for its misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Coverage of Legal Fees: California law allows victims of bad faith insurance practices to recover attorney’s fees and court costs, ensuring that pursuing justice doesn’t create additional financial strain.
An experienced insurance bad faith attorney will evaluate your case and fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
The Benefits of Hiring a California Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer
Navigating an insurance bad faith claim without legal representation can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced California insurance bad faith attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how:
- Expedited Claims Process: Insurance companies are more likely to respond promptly when legal action is involved. Your lawyer will push for a quicker resolution.
- Maximized Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often offer low settlements to individuals without legal representation. A lawyer will ensure your settlement reflects the true value of your claim.
- Holding Insurance Companies Accountable: Your attorney will gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and, if necessary, take the case to court to hold the insurance company accountable for its bad faith actions.
- Stress-Free Process: Letting an attorney handle the legal complexities allows you to focus on recovering from your losses while knowing your case is in capable hands.
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, our team has the experience and resources to take on even the most challenging insurance bad faith cases.
*We value our clients’ personal and private lives. We have removed the names from these reviews for client discretion.
5 Reasons People Choose Us
For a free legal consultation, call (707) 426-5300 or complete our online contact form
Contact Our Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers in California for a 100% Free Consultation Today
To learn more, schedule a free consultation with us or call Wells Call Injury Lawyers at (707) 273-1601. Our attorneys represent clients in California and other western states.
Los abogados hablan español.
Our Fairfield, California Office Location
FAQs About Bad Faith Insurance Claims in California
How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Insurance Bad Faith Case?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence needed, and whether a settlement is reached or litigation is required. Cases can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to resolve.
Can I Still File a Claim if I’ve Already Accepted a Partial Payment?
Yes, accepting a partial payment does not necessarily waive your right to pursue the remaining amount if the insurance company acted in bad faith. Consult a California insurance bad faith attorney to evaluate your options.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Bad Faith Claim?
You may recover compensation for your denied claim, attorney’s fees, court costs, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages for intentional misconduct by the insurer.
Do I Need Evidence to Prove Bad Faith?
Yes, documentation is crucial. Keep records of all correspondence, denials, and delays, as well as a copy of your policy and any evidence showing the insurance company’s misconduct.
Can I Handle an Insurance Bad Faith Claim Without a Lawyer?
While it’s possible, insurance companies often have extensive legal resources. Hiring an experienced bad faith insurance attorney in California increases your chances of a fair outcome and ensures your rights are protected.