Griffith v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance

Opinion

ASHBY, Acting P. J.

The issue presented by this appeal is: Prior to the filing of a lawsuit or another formal proceeding, can a third party claimant require an insurance carrier to release the policy limits of an insurance contract?

Facts

Marian P. Griffith and Cecilio Guerra (hereinafter Claimants) each retained Attorney Curtis L. Gemmil to represent them in personal injury lawsuits arising from two separate motor vehicle accidents. The other persons involved in the accidents were both insured by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, a corporation (hereinafter Insurer).…