How can we protect ourselves from our insurance company?
Our Vehicle was stolen about 2 months ago, and now we are being asked for 3 years of bank statements, insurances of all kinds etc. My wife and I are just wondering if we should be worried and get a lawyer because we've talked with friends and family about our situation, and they say to get a lawyer because it seem like a trap that our insurance company is setting up.
Answered By: The Law Office of Josh Lamborn, P.C.
Your insurance company must have seen something about the circumstances surrounding the theft of your vehicle that they found to be suspicious. The insurance company has a right under the contract that you signed with them (your policy) to collect this information prior to paying out on your claim. If they find anything that indicates that you are desperate for money (gambling losses, large withdrawals, large purchases, etc.) they may choose to investigate further and possibly deny your claim. At some point during this investigation they will probably want to conduct an EUO (examination under oath). This is like a deposition except there are truly no rules to what they can ask about. I have represented clients in EUOs and they are mind numbingly boring events in which the insurance company lawyer is trying to bill as much time as they can by asking inane questions. The only reasons to have a lawyer at the EUO s to keep you from saying something that hurts your case and to show the other side that you are taking their actions seriously and will fight them to the end. If they do deny your claim your only option is to file a lawsuit for breach of contract at that point and you will need a lawyer for that. Welcome to the real world of insurance companies. It is not all about being in "Good Hands" or being a "Good neighbor." It is about the bottom line.
Answer Applies to: Oregon
Replied: 10/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Oregon
Replied: 10/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Vincent J. Bernabei LLC
You should be worried, very worried, whenever you are dealing with an insurance company. There is a reason that insurance companies own the biggest and best buildings in every major city in the United States, and it isn't because they liberally pay out on claims. You need to speak with an attorney.
Answer Applies to: Oregon
Replied: 10/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Oregon
Replied: 10/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
More Questions on Personal Injury
- Where can I get help to pay for medical bills after a slip and fall?(12/8/2011)
- How is negligence determined in personal injury cases?(11/17/2011)
- How should I receive compensation from a car accident?(11/9/2011)
- Should I sue because of the accident?(11/9/2011)
- Can I still sue for a possible malpractice that happened years ago?(11/9/2011)
- Can I file a personal injury lawsuit if I was abused?(11/9/2011)
- Should I file a malpractice personal injury lawsuit?(11/9/2011)
- Who is legally responsible if a minor gets into a car accident?(11/9/2011)
- Can I sue after being involved in a house fire?(11/9/2011)
- Can I sue the brand name company for product liability?(11/9/2011)
- Can I sue the hospital if I was injured during child birth?(11/9/2011)
- Would the groomer be responsible for the vet bill?(11/9/2011)
- Are you responsible for damages if an accident happened on private property?(11/9/2011)
- What should I do if my employer assaulted me at work?(11/9/2011)
- Can I sue the babysitter for negligence?(10/27/2011)
- If I was at fault in a car accident, should I still hire a personal injury lawyer to defend my case?(10/27/2011)
- How do I know if I have a legally valid personal injury claim?(10/26/2011)
- Is it possible to get paid for past medical treatments?(10/17/2011)
- Can I sue for personal injury if my airbags did not deploy in a car accident?(10/17/2011)
- Is there anything I can do to prevent getting sued for an accident?(10/17/2011)
