If you have been involved in an auto accident that caused you to suffer damages, you will likely file a claim to recoup compensation for your losses. Sometimes, claims are denied. There are several reasons that a claim might be denied, but some causes are much more common than others. As an example, the other party was at-fault for the crash, but his or her version of the accident varies from yours. The insurance adjuster might think that your claim lacks merit, or they might think if your claim is denied you will drop it and no longer pursue it. The adjuster could be relying on the comments of one eyewitness or just believe what the other driver says. The insurer might be deciding to deny the claim before seeing an actual police report.
Other Reasons Claims Are Denied
There are several other reasons why insurance claims are denied. Here are a few of the other common causes for a claim denial:
- Insurance coverage has lapsed – the insured didn’t pay the premiums on time, so their policy lapsed. The insurer might say there was no coverage at the time of the crash, so you would have to file the claim with your uninsured motorist coverage.
- Policy exclusions – If the policy excludes natural events – referred to as “acts of God” – the insurer might dispute your damage claim if he or she thinks that a sudden storm or severe hail – caused the accident rather than the actions of a driver.
- Failure to properly notify the insurer – The policies usually state how soon they must be notified of an accident and a claim for it to be covered. If is important to contact the insurance companies – both yours and the other party’s – as soon as possible.
What to do if a Claim is Denied
If you tried to pursue a claim on your own and it was denied, you need to consult with an accident injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers understand the accident injury process and know how to proceed with a claim and show the auto insurance carrier that they are liable for the damages that resulted. Your odds of a successful personal injury claim increase significantly when you have an attorney on your side. While an investigation is completed by the officer who prepares the accident report, the claims adjuster will also investigate the crash. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation as well to uncover any details that might have been overlooked before.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an auto accident and the insurance company has denied your claim, consult with a personal injury attorney who is licensed to practice in your state. An attorney will know how to proceed with your claim. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have no upfront costs. Your lawyer will not be paid until you are compensated. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to get your claim on the right track.
