Insurance Bad Faith

Clients often bring us insurance-related problems that end up having more to do with the quality of the insurance product than with an insurance company misapplying its own policy provisions or not paying claims under a policy. Whether the policy does not cover a lot because the “grant of coverage” is narrow or there are exclusions that take away most of what the grant of coverage does allow, the … [Read more...] about Sucker Buys: Know What You Are Buying

We have previously written about how evidence of liability insurance is excluded from most civil jury trials. However, there is another exclusion in South Dakota law for other types of insurance that can apply to your personal injury claim. If you choose, you can exclude evidence of health insurance, Medicare, or other help you have received after an injury. For example, let us say that a child … [Read more...] about The Collateral Source Rule as Compared to the Evidentiary

“My car was not damaged, but I still hurt almost every day.” We at Turbak Law Office hear this often. And in other instances, vehicles are totaled, and everyone walks away and is at work in a few days. Yet many people think that low property damage means no injury. Nothing could be further from the truth.  In fact, hundreds of thousands of people sustain neck, back, and brain injuries every year … [Read more...] about Property Damage as Compared to Injuries

Many insurance companies deny claims, yet you dutifully met your end of the deal. In the event of loss, you are required to provide the necessary documentation to prove the legitimacy of your loss. On the other hand, your insurer is expected to conduct a full investigation of the claim promptly, then make a reasonable settlement. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will resort to all manner … [Read more...] about Filing a Claim Against Your Insurance Company with the South Dakota Division of Insurance

When a business uses unfair or deceptive means to sell you something, or to profit unfairly from your business it is not just an inconvenience: it may actually be a violation of law. Such misleading business practices, often referred to as unfair trade practices, can be especially harmful when they are performed by insurance companies acting in bad faith. If you have been a victim of unfair trade … [Read more...] about The Basics of the Unfair Trade Practices Act

The vast majority of individuals have an insurance policy to protect their assets, their health, and even their own lives. But what happens if your insurance company unexpectedly cancels your policy in bad faith? Luckily, you do not have to face the insurance company on your own—if your provider suddenly ceases your coverage, contact the South Dakota insurance bad faith attorneys at Turbak Law for … [Read more...] about What to Do If Your Insurance Company Cancels Your Policy

Insurance companies are required by law to fulfill their contractual obligations to policyholders, which is referred to as acting in good faith. In other words, you buy an insurance policy and pay the premiums with the understanding that if you are owed a benefit under that policy, the insurance company will act responsibly to investigate your claim and pay you what you are owed. … [Read more...] about Signs Your Insurance Company May be Using Intrusive or Demeaning Investigation Methods

Perhaps you have filed a claim with your insurance company and have received no response. Or maybe your insurance company has denied a claim for a benefit to which you are entitled under the terms of your policy.  If you are being treated unfairly by an insurance company, it may be time to file a complaint with the South Dakota Division of Insurance. … [Read more...] about Filing Complaints with the South Dakota Division of Insurance

Imagine you are involved in a car accident, are injured, and are experiencing pain as a result. You know you need medical treatment, but have no money and don’t know how to get help paying for your medical bills. You start to think that since the other driver was at fault, you shouldn't have to worry because his or her insurance will have to pay for your medical treatment. … [Read more...] about Need Help Paying Your Medical Bills? Here’s What You Can Do