(Photo : How Injury Settlements May be Impacted by COVID-19)
COVID 19 has changed the way people all over the world live their lives and did so virtually overnight. One of the only places people feel safe is when they are alone in their cars. However, auto collisions still happen and so do slip and fall accidents and accidents at work. Injured people can still file claims with their insurance companies and sue them if they do not like the settlement that they are offered. However, there are a few things of which you should be aware if you have been injured during the time of COVID.
Uncertainty in the Insurance Industry
Almost every industry in the country is facing an uncertain future due to the pandemic. The insurance industry has been hit especially hard because people who get the virus often end up with long hospital stays. Millions of people have lost their job and they have lost their health insurance along with it. Hence those insurance companies lost the revenue from the monthly payments those corporate clients would have paid.
Insurance adjusters have always been tight fisted and they rarely wanted to pay their clients what they deserved for their injuries and damage to their property. COVID is likely to make them even more interested in short changing their clients in order to hold on to what they have.
No matter what insurance companies may be experiencing right now, you need your money. If they do not offer you a reasonable settlement, you will want to hire a personal injury attorney who is well versed in negotiating with adjusters.
Are Insurance Payments Still Being Made During COVID
Fear not, the law requires insurance companies to continue paying insurance settlements during the pandemic. They are required to make payments in a timely fashion. The law applies to all kinds of insurance and you should contact the California Department of Insurance if any company tries to use the Coronavirus as an excuse not to pay you. If you have agreed to a settlement amount, the insurance company must pay you 30 days after you agree to it. If your payment is delayed, you may want to call a lawyer for a consultation.
The Courts have Limited Operating Hours
An attorney should be able to get you a fair settlement on your case. If they cannot get you the money you want you may have to take the insurance company to court. You have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in the Golden State. The courts are opened fewer hours and the virus is certain to be the catalyst for many a personal injury lawsuit. You should not procrastinate in choosing an attorney and getting your suit started.
Finding a Lawyer
You should look for an attorney who has many years of experience as a personal injury lawyer and who has practiced in the state of California for a while. You should always check to make sure they are in good standing with the state bar. Their office should be staffed with assistants who are devoted to getting you the funds you need to move forward with your life. Click here to read more about personal injury law.
