Beck v. Farmers Insurance Exchange

701 P.2d 795 (1985)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Beck (P) injured his knee in a hit and run accident. The owner of the car that hit P had asserted that the car had been stolen and she denied any liability for the accident. P filed a claim against the car owner and then against his own insurance company under its no-fault provisions. Farmers (D) paid P for the policy limits for medical expenses and monies for lost wages. P then submitted a claim for the policy limit for general damages ($20,000). D's adjuster rejected the claim. P filed suit against D for a breach of good faith and fair dealing. Eventually, the suit was bifurcated, and one part for the damages was settled at $15,000, and the suit for the violation of the good faith and fair dealing proceeded to trial. D moved to dismiss that latter action, and it was granted. P appealed.