Understanding Your Legal Rights Across the United States
Duty to defend is broad. Insurers must defend claims potentially within coverage. The assigned lawyer represents you, not the insurer, but the insurer pays.
Coverage questions create tension. Your policy may or may not cover the claim. Conflicts can require independent counsel at insurer expense.
Settlement authority usually rests with the insurer within limits. If they refuse reasonable settlement and verdict exceeds limits, bad faith claims may shift exposure.
Insurers must defend claims potentially within coverage.
The assigned lawyer represents you, though the insurer pays.
Disputes may require independent counsel.
If sued and your insurer assigned counsel, understanding the relationship helps you participate effectively.
When evaluating potential attorneys, consider these key factors:
Browse our directory of qualified attorneys who specialize in insurance defense cases across the United States.
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