Where to Turn When Insurance Turns Against You

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, one of the first places you’re likely to turn for help—perhaps the first—is your insurance company. After all, that’s what you pay premiums for, and it’s the company whose policy information you keep in your car. But what happens when life, or the driver in front of you, takes an unexpected turn, and your insurance provider doesn’t hold up their end of the deal? Can you sue your OWN insurance company?

In some cases, yes—you can. If your insurer fails to act in good faith, delays or denies legitimate insurance claims, or doesn’t provide the compensation to which you’re entitled based on your insurance coverage, you may very well have grounds to take legal action.

Here’s what you need to know:

 

Are You Covered?

Your auto insurance policy is a legally binding contract. You agree to pay monthly premiums, and in return, your car insurance company agrees to provide coverage in the event of an accident. Depending on your policy, this might include:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• Medical payments coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Collision or comprehensive coverage

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident (whether you were the driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

But what if your own insurance company fails to cover these costs?

 

When Your Insurance Company Won’t Pay

In theory, the relationship between insurer and insured is straightforward, and the process is clear. Insurance companies have a legal obligation to act in good faith when processing your claim. This means they must conduct a prompt and fair investigation, pay out valid claims in a timely manner, and communicate clearly and honestly with you.

When they don’t, it’s known as “bad faith.” Bad faith practices can include:

• Failing to properly investigate your claim
• Denying your claim without a valid reason
• Offering a settlement far below what your claim is worth
• Unreasonably delaying your payment

These tactics can leave you struggling to pay your bills, arrange medical treatment, or repair your vehicle after a crash, especially if the at-fault driver had no insurance or fled the scene.

While it’s an unfortunate added complication during an already stressful time, if your insurance company isn’t holding up its end of the bargain, you might need to consider legal action.

 

Can You Really Sue Your Own Insurance Company?

It may sound like a counterintuitive move, but in Washington State, policyholders have the right to sue their own insurance company if the insurer has failed to fulfill the terms of the policy or acted in bad faith. Examples of such a situation could include:

• You were injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver, but your insurer denies your uninsured motorist claim.
• Your insurance refuses to pay for your medical expenses or emotional distress, even though your personal injury protection should cover it.
• You’ve provided medical records, accident reports, and other documentation, but your insurance company continues to delay or ignore your claim.

A lawsuit against your own insurer can seek compensation not just for your original losses, but also for damages caused by their bad faith behavior, such as added financial hardship or stress. In some cases, you may also be able to recover attorney’s fees.

 

Don’t Go It Alone: Working with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Taking legal action against your own insurance company can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still recovering from an accident. But you don’t have to do it alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help by:

• Reviewing your insurance policy and identifying your legal rights
• Gathering evidence to support your claim, including medical treatment records and property damage estimates
• Communicating directly with your insurer on your behalf
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary, and guiding you through the legal process

As a personal injury law firm with decades of experience, RHHK offers free consultations with expert attorneys, so you can fully understand your options without upfront costs. If your case has merit, we’ll fight on your behalf on a contingency fee basis—meaning we don’t get paid unless you do.

 

Suing for More Than Just Money

Sometimes, a lawsuit isn’t just about recovering medical bills or replacing a damaged vehicle. It’s about holding your insurer accountable. Insurance companies have a lot of power, and policyholders deserve to be treated fairly.

By taking legal action, you may also help prevent future bad faith practices, protecting other people from going through the same struggles you’re facing. If your insurer has caused you serious emotional distress or financial harm, a successful lawsuit may even include compensation for pain and suffering, attorney’s fees, and, in certain noteworthy cases, even punitive damages.

 

Insurance Against the Insurers: Common Cases

In Tacoma, Seattle, and across Western Washington, RHHK has helped clients file suit against their own insurers in a variety of personal injury cases, including:

• Car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Motorcycle accidents with unclear fault or inadequate settlement offers
• Wrongful death claims where a loved one’s death was not properly compensated
• Delayed or denied PIP benefits that left injured individuals struggling to pay their bills

If you’ve faced challenges like these, you may have a strong case, and you deserve answers. At our Tacoma-based law firm, we know how frustrating it can be to fight your own insurance provider after an accident. You’ve already been through enough, and now you’re facing a battle you didn’t ask for.

Let us help. We offer free case evaluations so you can get the information you need before making any decisions. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, policy disputes, or bad faith tactics, we’re here to stand up for your rights.

 

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Ready to take the next step? Contact RHHK today to set up your free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you decide what’s best for your situation.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Let our experienced personal injury attorneys fight for the compensation and respect you deserve.