If you search online discussions about the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), you will find that many members of the public have raised questions about their experiences filing complaints against insurance companies. One question that frequently comes up is: “Is the OIC there to protect the public or insurance companies?” This issue is often discussed when policyholders feel they have been treated unfairly during the insurance claims process.
From the perspective of Lawyer Arm Supasit Siri, who has extensive experience in the insurance industry and handling insurance-related cases, the main problems go beyond receiving compensation offers that fall short of victims’ expectations. They also involve the complaint process, negotiations, and decisions made by victims, all of which may have long-term consequences for their legal rights and claims.
Why Does OIC Mediation Require Multiple Negotiations?
In general, when members of the public have a dispute with an insurance company, they can file a complaint with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) so that the agency can investigate and take action within its authority. One possible step in this process is coordination and mediation between the complainant and the insurance company.
However, some victims have reported that once mediation begins, they may have to go through several rounds of negotiations because both parties are unable to reach an agreement on the compensation amount or the terms of reimbursement. In some cases, they must gather additional documents, wait for the next appointment, or wait for the insurance company to reconsider its offer.
Although mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes without going to court, attending multiple meetings, submitting documents, and negotiating repeatedly can place a significant burden on victims in terms of time and expenses. This is particularly challenging for those with full-time jobs, family responsibilities, or no prior experience dealing with insurance matters.
The question, therefore, is not whether mediation itself is right or wrong, but whether victims receive sufficient information to make informed decisions and how effectively the process helps the public access justice.
Inexperienced Victims May Be at a Disadvantage from the Start
Making an insurance claim involves more than simply submitting documents or stating the amount of compensation sought. It requires an understanding of one’s legal rights, policy coverage, evidence of damages, and the relevant legal requirements.
Victims handling the process on their own may not know which documents to prepare, how to explain the facts of their case, or under what terms they should accept an insurance company’s offer. Furthermore, signing certain documents or accepting a settlement offer to resolve a dispute may affect their ability to pursue other claims. Therefore, it is important to carefully review and understand all the details before making any decision.
Based on Lawyer Arm Supasit Siri’s experience, many victims seek legal advice only after attempting to handle their cases themselves. However, they later discover that certain documents or agreements require further review, which can limit their options for taking further action.
This is why consulting a lawyer from the outset is important. It is not because people are incapable of handling the process themselves, but because understanding their rights from the beginning can help prevent mistakes that may be difficult to correct later.
If Insurance Companies Have Experts, Why Shouldn’t Victims Have a Lawyer?
It is important to understand that insurance companies operate under a risk management system. They already have claims departments, lawyers or legal personnel, and experienced specialists who handle claims assessment, negotiations, and dispute resolution, especially given that road accidents happen every day.
Therefore, victims should not assume that simply making a request or explaining their hardship will automatically lead an insurance company to offer the amount of compensation they seek. Claims are assessed primarily based on the facts, supporting evidence, and applicable legal requirements.
Lawyer Arm therefore raises an important question for consideration: If insurance companies can have specialists and legal advisors to protect their business interests, why shouldn’t victims also have a lawyer to protect their own interests?
Having a lawyer does not mean that every case must go to court. Rather, a lawyer can help review documents, assess damages, develop a claim strategy, and provide legal advice before negotiations begin, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate information and applicable laws.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late to Consult a Lawyer
For those who have been involved in an accident and are currently in a dispute with an insurance company, whether over compensation, medical expenses, compensation for loss of use of a vehicle, or other damages, the first step should be to gather relevant evidence and review their legal rights as soon as possible.
If you do not fully understand the terms of your insurance policy or have been asked to sign any documents, you should request time to review them and consult a legal professional before making a decision. Do not rush into accepting an offer simply because you want to bring the matter to an end.
Ultimately, filing a complaint with the OIC is a right and one of the channels available to the public. However, victims should also understand the procedures and legal consequences of each step they take. Do not let a lack of legal knowledge become an obstacle to protecting and exercising your rights.
Lawyer Arm Supasit Siri of Wongsakorn Law Office emphasizes that after an accident, you do not need to wait until a dispute arises with the insurance company before consulting a lawyer. Having your legal rights reviewed and a clear course of action established from the outset can help prevent mistakes later on.
If you want to avoid unnecessary delays and the risk of being disadvantaged because you do not fully understand your rights, you should consult a lawyer before making important decisions.Consult Lawyer Arm at Wongsakorn Law Office. Click here >> Contact Us <<