Personal Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles Can Help Injured Drivers Deal With Insurer Bad Faith Car insurance is a legal requirement for drivers in California. Car owners pay a premium in order to receive a certain amount of financial protection in the event of an accident. However, there are cases where insurance companies refuse to honor legitimate claims. In such cases, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can assist individuals in filing a lawsuit to help them obtain the financial compensation they deserve. An insurance policy is basically a legal contract in which the policy holder pays the insurance provider a specified amount or premium in exchange for financial compensation in the event of an accident. Insurance policies are very specific in terms of their coverage, and can range from basic liability insurance, to collision damage repair, and medical payments for injuries caused by a car accident. According to the California Integrated Highway Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 121 deaths and 4,683 motor vehicle-related injuries in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County in 2008 alone. Aside from the legal necessity of having auto insurance, the large number of traffic-related accidents in Los Angeles simply makes sense to get financial support from the insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies act in bad faith even though evidence is available to support the policyholder’s claim. They may use unreasonable interpretations of policy terms, willfully withhold payments, or simply refuse to settle – or even process – the policyholder’s claim. In some cases, the policyholder whose claim has been rejected by the insurance company may be able to appeal, and have a chance to receive compensation for the damage or injuries he received. However, if an appeal to reverse the decision does not result in a positive response from the insurance company, contacting a Los Angeles personal injury attorney experienced in handling bad faith claims may be the best way to resolve the situation. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the claim, the attorney can attempt to resolve the case by mediation or arbitration. If the insurance company continues to refuse to settle despite the apparent legality of the lawsuit, the attorney may recommend that the case be referred to court. Under California law, insurers are required to settle claims promptly and fairly. However, the process can be complicated and confusing for those without a legal background or knowledge of relevant laws. Los Angeles personal injury attorneys can provide basic legal advice and resources to help bad faith insurance victims obtain the financial compensation they deserve.