Legal Question in Personal Injury in Washington

Re: car accident

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Rob

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Re: car accident

Insurance companies do this frequently. Not having read your insurance policy nor researched the legal issue, I can't give you a definitive answer; BUT, having said that, if it were me, I'd "just say no." Tell them to write the settlement check to you only, since your husband is not making a claim.

A spouse who was NOT in an accident CAN have a claim arising out of the claim of the OTHER spouse who was injured in a wreck, under some circumstances. Often, such a claim arises out of the injured party's portion of coverage. So, for that reason, the insurance companies often try to avoid the possibility of that "other" spouse's claim by putting their name on the check. Once they sign, they've probably waived any claim they had. It's not a very equitable practice on the insurers' part, but there y'go!

IF your insurance company continues to insist on putting spouse's name on the check, before allowing the spouse's signature, I would first inquire with Washington's regulatory agency charged with overseeing the insurance industry. It may be called the INSURANCE COMMISSSIONER'S office, as it is in OR. They should be able to answer your question right off, although a good personal injury lawyer's opinion is probably preferable.

Whatever it's called, the state REGULATORY AGENCY for insurance companies is also the one you complain to, on unfair or improper insurance company practices.

Good luck!

Sam