For Immediate Release – Oct. 30, 2007
Kreidler encourages voters to Approve 67 in new ad
Ethel Adams’ story is symbolic of unfair insurance companies
SEATTLE – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler went on the air in a direct appeal to voters to Approve 67. Kreidler tells the story of Ethel Adams and how her case is symbolic of how the insurance industry can unfairly treat consumers.
Adams, who was injured in a road-rage car accident, had to fight her insurance company when it unreasonably delayed and denied her claim. Adams sustained catastrophic injuries from the 2005 accident that left her disabled for life.
To view the ad and read supporting materials, go to http://www.approve67.org/node/150.
“Ethel’s story is just one of thousands of stories consumers face in Washington everyday,” said Sue Evans, Approve 67 spokesperson. “And it’s why Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is encouraging voters to Approve 67 on Election Day.”
Adams was hit head-on. Firefighters had to cut from her crumpled Hyundai Accent. She was in a coma for nine days; suffered collapsed lungs and 17 broken bones; spent a month in the hospital and another five months in a nursing home. Adams must now use a wheelchair or walker, and will never fully recover from her injuries.
Though Adams had $2 million worth of coverage, Truck Insurance, a part of Farmers Insurance, refused to pay her claim. Her insurance company argued that, even though it was an accident to Adams, another driver hit the car that was knocked into Adams’ car and intended to cause the accident. According to the insurance company, it was not an accident and they weren’t required to pay.
“I support R-67 because it helps consumers get what they paid for,” Kreidler said. “Insurance rates won’t go up if your insurance company keeps its promise to pay legitimate claims.”
Referendum 67 would make it illegal for the insurance industry to unreasonably delay or deny legitimate insurance claims. Only those insurance companies that choose to treat their customers unfairly by delaying or denying legitimate claims would be affected by Referendum 67’s penalties.
Endorsers of an approve vote on Referendum 67 include Gov. Chris Gregoire and more than 100 organizations, including seniors, firefighters, teachers and consumers.
Referendum 67 will be on the Washington state ballot on November 6. The insurance industry has spent more than $10 million to sway voters to reject Referendum 67’s consumer protections.
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Contact:
Sue Evans
206.792.0408
sevans@approve67.org
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