why auto liability insurance companies don't want you to hire an attorney

The insurance company might rightfully refuse to provide a lawyer to defend a car accident lawsuit against you if you didn't provide proper notice of the crash, or if the accident was a result of your intentional action, among other reasons.

Full Answer

Should I hire a car accident lawyer or insurance adjuster?

You are someone who has been injured and are looking for a way to right a wrong. Don’t try and go head-to-head with an adjuster. Don’t argue with them. The adjuster is the enemy in this process and they want you to lose. The last thing an insurance adjuster wants is for you to hire an car accident lawyer to represent your interests.

What do insurance companies do when you don’t have an attorney?

“Insurance companies use a couple of tactics with people who are not represented by attorneys,” she explains. “If they know there is a valid claim, they will make a quick low offer in hopes that you take the money and run.

Why do I need a lawyer for a car insurance claim?

An experienced lawyer can see the claim from all sides and know if there is any chance of getting the insurance company to reverse its position. “Insurance companies are not afraid to deny a claim using shaky reasoning because an unrepresented claimant has no ability to seek a remedy in court.

Is your car insurance company obligated to defend you in accidents?

Let's look at a few situations in which your car insurance company may not be obligated to defend you in a car accident case. If the insured policyholder fails to give the insurer notice of the accident, at least within the time limits specified in the insurance policy, the duty to defend might be voided.

2. They Know Their Settlement Offer Is Too Low

If you’ve received an early settlement offer from an insurance carrier, it’s a safe bet that the offer represents less than you’re really owed. Probably a lot less. And the insurance company already knows that.

3. They Plan on Using Your Statements Against You

You’ve probably seen TV shows where someone gets arrested and the police recite a familiar line: “Anything you say or do can be used against you…”

When does an insurer have to provide a lawyer?

A third important exception to the insurer's duty to provide a lawyer may apply when damages paid out by the insurer meet the policy's coverage limits. In general, once the insurer has paid the policy limits, it has no further duty toward the insured—no duty to pay any further money to resolve claims, and no duty to continue to provide ...

What happens if you don't give your insurance notice of an accident?

If you fail to give your insurer notice of the accident within that time period, and you don't have a good excuse for not contacting an agent, the company may have the right to refuse to provide coverage for the accident. And, by extension, they may refuse to provide you with a lawyer if you get sued over the crash.

What happens if an insured fails to give notice of an accident?

If the insured policyholder fails to give the insurer notice of the accident, at least within the time limits specified in the insurance policy, the duty to defend might be voided.

What is intentional act in insurance?

Intentional Act Causing a Car Accident. If the policyholder is accused of having acted intentionally to cause the car accident, that could also void coverage (and therefore nullify the duty to defend). Automobile insurance policies generally provide insurance coverage only for negligent actions, not intentional actions.

What happens if you are injured in a car accident?

Generally, if you were seriously injured and in the hospital, or were otherwise physically and/or mentally incapable of notifying the insurer of the accident, that will qualify as an extenuating circumstance excusing your failure to give proper notice. Don't chance it. If you get into a car accident and you're capable of notifying the insurer, ...

What happens if another driver sues you?

When another driver sues you after a car accident, your car insurance company usually has a "duty to defend" you. When you're being accused of causing a car accident, and someone else has filed a personal injury lawsuit against you, your car insurance company will usually hire a lawyer to defend your case in court. Read on for the details.

Does auto insurance cover intentional actions?

Automobile insurance policies generally provide insurance coverage only for negligent actions, not intentional actions. So, if, for whatever reason, the insured is accused of intentionally causing the car accident, there is a very real chance that the insurer will refuse to provide coverage for the accident and will refuse to provide a lawyer ...

Why are insurance companies not afraid to deny a claim?

“Insurance companies are not afraid to deny a claim using shaky reasoning because an unrepresented claimant has no ability to seek a remedy in court.

Did November have to replace the adjuster?

And that’s when he and his wife decided to lawyer up. Which was easy for November because he is a lawyer. November asked the insurance company to replace the adjuster, which it did. The new adjuster, a fellow Clevelander, understood the extent of the damage to November’s home and helped him get the full claim approved.

Can a small claim settle without a dispute?

Small run-of-the-mill claims usually settle without trouble. But in cases where there’s more at stake—for both you and the insurance company—there may be a higher chance for dispute. This could include: Claims where you and the insurance adjuster don’t agree early on. Expensive or complex claims.

What is the obligation of a liability insurance company?

When you buy liability insurance, part of the insurance company’s obligation is to provide a defense for you if you are sued. The insurance company will do this by hiring and paying for an experienced attorney to represent you in court.

Why do insurers send reservation of rights letters?

In some cases your insurer may send you a reservation of rights letter. This is because your insurer is required to defend you on any claim that could be covered. If the lawsuit against you involves some claims that might be covered and others that are not covered, the insurer will have to offer you a defense.

Does an insurance company pay for a lawyer?

If the verdict in the case indicates that you were liable on a claim that is not covered, the insurance company will not pay the claim, even though they paid for the lawyer. The appointed lawyer is not required to represent you in any counterclaims that you might have against other parties.

Why is it called a third party claim?

Here’s why…. When someone else makes a liability claim under your own insurance policy, this is called a third-party claim. It’s a “third-party” claim because the claimant is an outsider to your insurance policy. Your insurance company has a duty to defend you against this claim and to pay off any judgment which might be entered against you.

Does insurance take control of a claim?

Therefore, your insurance company takes full control over the settlement or defense of the claim.

Can you sue a third party in Texas?

If the insurance company is unable to settle the claim, then Texas law says that the lawsuit must be filed against the driver personally. In Texas, there is no “ direct action” in a third-party liability claim.