Why is it everytime someone has a question about insurance everyone says to get an attorney?

Question

I would argue that most attorneys are as corrupt as the insurance companies (just kidding, well kind of)

It seems to be the blanket answer. Do people not realize the role an attorney plays? Do they not know they get 35% of a settlement? It just blows my mind and really irritates me.

What do you think?

I guess I should clarify. The answers that are suggesting an attorney aren't even legal based questions. Someone had a question on a medical bill and there was a response to get an attorney and sue becuase the doctor misbilled. For the love of God. This country is sue happy.

Answer 1

Yes, we're very sue happy in the US. We're so sue happy, that we don't look to find the easy answers - we want someone else to do the legwork.

I don't think attorneys are corrupt, at least, not most of them. But they DO take a huge chunk of your settlement, OR they bill you by the hour.

Sometimes, an attorney IS the correct answer. But a lot of times, there's a better, smarter, faster answer with a different resource.

Particularly on this insurance board, there are a LOT of "nonprofessional" answers mixed in with the real answers.

My personal pet peeve are all the people referring to insurance covering or not covering "acts of God". I've read maybe a thousand policies in my career, and I've never ONCE seen a policy refer to an "act of God".

OK. I'll get off my soapbox now and change the channel.

Answer 2

Simple answer--insurance policies are contracts. Who best to interpret insurance contracts--attorneys and insurance coverage specialists.

Why? Have you ever thought of what exactly comprises a building? What is an auto? These are issues that, to you and I, seem rather pedestrian and "common sense"; however, to insurance companies, people impacted by denied claims, and others are extremely important points that need to be clarified.

Moreover, most insurance policies are slightly different (thanks to endorsements, which limit, clarify, or expand coverage). Just because your friend has a auto policy with ABC Insurance does not mean that your auto policy with ABC insurance is the same and affords the same coverage. Most people mistakenly assume this and they discover this only at claim time. Angry about the subterfuge of the insurance company, they retain and attorney and thus begins the cycle of defining what autos are are what constitutes being "in" and auto. You and I may think we know exactly what the answers are but you would be surprised.

Answer 3

It is sad, but it is true. Most people need an attorney to deal with an insurance company. Insurance companies work really hard NOT to pay out any money. Even paying an attorney 50% will get you more than dealing with the insurance company on your own. If an attorney is taking the case on a contingency, then you know they are not going to work for free and you have a legitimate case.

The system sucks. I am not defending attorneys, but the insurance companies have made it impossible to deal with them without legal counsel -- and then the insurance companies blame attorneys for increasing rates....

Answer 4

I agree with you 100%. The vast majority of folks should call their state insurance commissioner's office to discuss the situation and obtain (free) advice. I guarantee those folks know more about insurance law than 99.9% of attorneys in private practice.

Answer 5

That blows your mind and irritates you. You need an attorney. Because no one else is qualified to give legal advice. If you cannot see that then you need more then an attorney. You need to get smart.

Answer 6

You are right, we need tort reform!!
The general public doesn't know how hard it is to make a buck in the insurance biz.