
Getting injured in an accident can be a serious life-altering event. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident you may have a lot of questions. That’s why GJEL Accident Attorneys was founded in 1972 by Attorney Andy Gillin.
“We want to help our clients every step of the way and get them the justice they deserve” – Andy Gillin (GJEL Accident Attorneys Founding Partner).
After an accident, there are a lot of uncertainties and GJEL is here to help you through this difficult time. At GJEL, we help our clients get the treatment and compensation they deserve and are entitled to after an accident. Holding wrongdoers accountable is what we do.
How Can Our Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys Help You?
Every case is different due to the facts surrounding the case. That’s why GJEL takes the time upfront to learn about your case and explore the possible options with you. We will evaluate the circumstances, help you get the medical treatment you need, and collect the proper evidence to ensure your case can reach its maximum value potential.
You should contact a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation if these things have happened to you:
- You’ve been injured in an accident
- The accident was not your fault
- You have missed work due to the injury
If you meet the criteria above you may have a strong personal injury case.
What types of cases does GJEL Specialize in?
Since our inception in 1972, we have handled thousands of cases and have developed unique and effective methods for trying many different types of injury cases. That is why GJEL is consistently rated one of the top personal injury law firms in the country by news organizations such as Best Lawyers and US News & World Report.
We have handled most types of injury cases, but our most common cases are injuries resulting from accidents like:
- Car Crashes
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Burn Injuries
- Plane & Aircraft Crashes
Why Choose Us
GJEL mostly handles cases where a serious injury was caused as a result of the accident. These injuries typically require multiple or even lifelong doctor appointments and usually result in lost work for the victim. We commonly handle injury cases with injuries like:
- Wrongful Death
- Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations
- Head Injuries
- Burns, Cuts & Abrasions
- Car Accident Cases in Richmond, CA
What is a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who represents individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party.
Their primary goal is to help their clients receive compensation for their injuries and other losses, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Personal injury attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.
The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, hiring a personal injury attorney can offer several benefits. Firstly, they have a deep understanding of the legal system and can help guide you through the complex process of filing a claim. They will also investigate your case thoroughly, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
Additionally, personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can work with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can also represent you in court to fight for your rights.
Understanding Insurance Claims
Before delving into why State Farm might underpay insurance claims, it’s essential to understand how insurance claims work. When you purchase an insurance policy, you agree to pay monthly or yearly premiums to the insurance company. In exchange, the company promises to provide compensation if you experience a covered loss, such as damage to your home, car, or personal property. When you file a claim, the insurance company will investigate the loss and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive based on your policy’s terms and conditions.
Reasons for Underpayment of Insurance Claims by State Farm
While insurance companies are obligated to pay valid claims, they are also businesses that seek to maximize profits. State Farm is no exception. There are several reasons why State Farm may try to underpay insurance claims:
1. Saving Money
The primary reason State Farm may underpay insurance claims is to save money. When an insurance company pays out a claim, it is reducing its profits. Therefore, State Farm may attempt to minimize the amount it pays by undervaluing the damage or loss.
2. Policy Exclusions
Another reason why State Farm may underpay insurance claims is if the loss is excluded from the policy’s coverage. Insurance policies are complex contracts with exclusions, limitations, and deductibles. Policyholders are responsible for understanding their policy’s terms and conditions and ensuring that they have the appropriate coverage for their needs. If a loss is not covered by the policy, State Farm is not obligated to pay for it.
3. Disputes over the Value of the Loss
When you file an insurance claim, State Farm will send an adjuster to investigate the damage or loss. The adjuster will estimate the value of the loss and determine the compensation you are entitled to receive. However, policyholders and adjusters may have different opinions about the value of the loss, leading to disputes. State Farm may try to underpay the claim to resolve the dispute in its favor.
4. Fraud Prevention
State Farm may also attempt to underpay insurance claims to prevent fraud. Insurance fraud is a widespread problem in the United States, with criminals filing false claims to obtain compensation they are not entitled to receive. State Farm may be suspicious of a claim and underpay it if it suspects fraud.