More than 100 auto repair shops around the United States are in the midst of fiery lawsuits against a number of insurance companies who are purportedly favoring profit over their clients’ safety.
Massachusetts resident Katherine Spiers is one victim among thousands, according to Watch 5 Investigates, who is speaking out against her insurance company since experiencing numerous issues with her car after she brought it to an insurance-approved body shop to be fixed. According to Watch 5 Investigates, Spiers says she took her Toyota Corolla in for repairs and when she got it back, that’s when the issues unfolded. Mold had developed in the foam of her back seat due to leaks from poor bodywork, and the car’s gas door repeatedly popped open whenever she shut the car door. Spiers learned that her Corolla’s original parts were replaced with cheaper parts that were never crash-tested.
Many repair specialists warn consumers about the dangers of going to an insurance-preferred body shop, with the notion that insurance companies will request these body shops to cut corners and use substandard or dangerous replacement parts in order to save money and increase shareholder profits at the expense of their policy holders. What some Massachusetts drivers do not know though, is that they can bring a car to any registered auto body shop and the shop can guarantee work, with the insurance company footing the bill, Watch 5 says.
So far, auto shops in more than 19 states have sued dozens of insurance companies and Massachusetts is expected to join with lawsuit.
Read about some of the worst insurance companies here.
What Do I Do If I Get Into An Accident That I Did Not Cause?
Almost everyone who’s been involved in an auto accident that is not their fault has the same immediate questions: What do I do next? Who will pay for my car to be fixed? I’m hurt, who will pay for my medical bills? What do I do if I can’t go back to work? Do I have a case? What are my options if my insurance company refuses to pay my claim? I was involved in a hit-and-run, what next?
While some auto accidents are minor fender benders resulting in only minor property damage, many motor vehicle crashes are often serious injury accidents. Even though Massachusetts is a no-fault state and motorists−except for motorcyclists−are covered by their own Personal Injury Protection insurance, your medical costs may far exceed PIP’s policy limits as well as the limits of your own medical insurance coverage. PIP also will not cover your lost wages. If a person who does not have insurance coverage injured you or their coverage is insufficient to cover your damages, you may be entitled to recover from your own insurance company through an uninsured or underinsured policy as well.
The Car Accident Attorneys at Altman & Altman have nearly fifty years of experience litigating claims involving motor vehicles, and are proficient in evaluating liability in motor-vehicle accidents. One of the most important steps an individual needs to take following a motor vehicle accident is preserving their legal rights. In Massachusetts there are Statute of Limitations regarding claims for all motor vehicle accidents and it is of utmost importance to contact an attorney before your rights are barred by one of these provisions.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to call our office. Our seasoned attorneys will connect you with the best medical care in the Commonwealth whilst working with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Consultations are confidential and of no-charge and our attorneys are available around the clock to answer any questions you may have about your case.
Read original article by WCVB.com here.