Filing a car accident claim can be overwhelming when insurance companies take their time. For many claimants, those delays add stress and financial burden on top of an already tough situation. Insurance companies are supposed to process claims fairly and in a timely manner, but some will drag their feet using common tactics insurance companies employ to pay less or discourage claimants altogether.
In this blog, we’ll go over practical steps to take if your insurance company is stalling your car accident claim, from understanding legal deadlines and delay tactics to filing complaints and documenting interactions. We’ll also cover how working with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can help speed up the process, protect your rights, and get you the full compensation you’re owed.
Insurance Claim Deadlines
Insurance companies are supposed to process claims within certain timeframes, but delays happen. Knowing these deadlines can help claimants recognize and address stalling tactics.
Georgia Timely Response Requirements
In Georgia, insurance companies must follow state-mandated deadlines to process claims quickly. In Georgia, insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days of receipt. Along with that acknowledgment, they must also provide any forms or information requests needed to process the claim.
After all initial paperwork is submitted, Georgia law requires insurers to decide on the claim within 15 days. If the insurer needs more time—because of getting more documentation or a complex investigation—they can request an extension, but that extension must be justified and in writing to the claimant. Georgia regulations are in place to ensure these requirements result in timely responses so claimants don’t have to wait months to get paid.
Claim Deadlines for Cash
Claim deadlines are crucial for individuals who need money now due to an accident. When those deadlines are missed, claimants may have to pay expenses without the money to pay them. For example, without timely payment, you may not be able to pay medical bills, car repairs, or lost wages. That can mean financial stress and may cause claimants to settle for less than they’re owed to get their case closed fast.
What to Do If Deadlines Are Ignored
If your insurance company or insurance adjuster doesn’t meet these deadlines without a valid reason, it could be stalling. In that case, you should first contact the insurer and ask for an explanation. Document each interaction, who you speak with, and when. If delays continue without a good reason, consider escalating the matter, which could mean filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department or consulting an attorney to see what other options are available.
Why Insurance Companies Stall Claims
Insurance companies delay claims to protect their bottom line, often at the expense of the claimant, leading to significant insurance claim delays. Knowing these tactics can help you navigate and counteract them.
Profit Motives
Insurance companies are profit-driven entities, and delaying claims is one way they can increase profits. By stalling, they can pressure claimants with mounting bills to take less than they’re owed. That means smaller payouts and more company resources for longer. While waiting, claimants may be in financial stress, which can cause them to settle for less of an outcome that insurers know works in their favor.
Stall Tactics
Insurance adjusters will use many tactics to drag out the claims process. That can include repeatedly asking for more documents or information, disputing medical or repair estimates, and recording statements. They may make a low initial offer, hoping claimants will take it under financial pressure. Adjuster changes can reset the process, and some insurers use that to avoid timely resolution.
Bad Faith Red Flags
While delays can be due to legitimate administrative backlog, chronic insurance company stalling is bad faith. Bad faith is when insurers deliberately delay, deny, or underpay legitimate claims without a valid reason. Bad faith signs include lack of communication for an extended period, vague or changing explanations for delays, and unreasonably slow response to documentation or follow-ups. Knowing these signs can cause claimants to take action, such as escalating the claim or consulting an attorney.
Claimants
These stall tactics can cause significant financial hardship for claimants who have medical bills, car repair costs, and other expenses to pay after an accident. Financial pressure builds up during the delay and often creates an unfair disadvantage that means smaller settlements. Knowing how and why insurers stall can help claimants counteract those tactics, avoid financial stress, and get a fair settlement.
What to Do If Your Claim is Being Ignored
If you notice your claim is being delayed, you can take proactive steps to get the process moving and keep the insurer accountable.
Get All Your Documents and Evidence
The first step is to gather and organize all your claim-related documents. That includes accident reports, medical records, repair estimates, and photos of the damage. Having everything in order means you can respond quickly to any additional requests from the insurer and eliminate excuses for further delay. Proper documentation also helps your case if the insurer challenges part of your claim.
Follow Up
Regular communication with your insurance company is key to keeping your claim on their radar. Set a schedule to check in periodically, whether by phone, email, or letter, and document each interaction. Ask for specific timelines for their next steps and get the names of the adjusters handling your claim. That will be helpful if you need to escalate the matter, as it shows you’re taking action to resolve the issue. If your follow-ups do not yield results, consider seeking legal assistance to ensure your claim is handled properly.
Get a Full Document List
One of the stalling tactics is to request documents in pieces, one at a time, to drag out the process. To counter that, request a full document list early in the process. That will prevent incremental document requests, and you can meet all requirements upfront and reduce potential delays.
Escalate to a Supervisor if Needed
If your follow-ups don’t produce results, consider asking to speak with a supervisor. Escalating the matter tells the insurance company you’re serious about getting a resolution. Supervisors may have the authority to move things along or give you a straight answer if the lower-level adjusters have not been able to address your claim.
File a Complaint with Georgia’s Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire
If there’s no reason for the delay, file a complaint with the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. This office regulates insurance companies in the state and investigates claims of stalling or bad faith by insurers. In Georgia, filing a complaint can get your claim moving, as the insurer may not want to be under the microscope of the state.
Get an Attorney
If all else fails, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer who handles insurance claims. An attorney can help you through the claims process, negotiate with the insurer on your behalf, and hold them accountable for the delay. If the delay continues, they may also advise you to file a bad faith claim, which can have legal consequences for the insurer and may get your claim moving faster.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If your insurance company is stalling your car accident claim, don’t let the frustration of dealing with a stalling insurance company keep you from getting the compensation you deserve. Our team at Atlanta Metro Law is here to help you navigate the process, protect your rights, and hold the insurer accountable.
Contact us at 864-894-2045 for a free claim review!
