Why You Accident Claim Can Be Denied

Did you know that there are certain things that your car accident insurance company can do that are within reason when handling your accident claims and others that could lead you to take further legal action against them? Knowing the difference can help you decipher as to when you should hire a lawyer. This can have a big impact on your life, so you should never wait to discuss your options with an experienced personal injury lawyer. 

Contacting Your Insurance Carrier

Following your car accident, you may immediately contact your insurance carrier under the assumption that this contact will result in some financial relief that may help to defray any costs incurred due to your accident such as medical bills and lost wages. Unfortunately, things may not always go accordingly and this can be very frustrating to realize that your car accident insurance claim has been denied. After all, your insurance carrier is supposed to help you with these claims, that is why you pay such a high premium for car accident insurance.

Denied Car Accident Insurance Claims

It is important to understand why the claim was denied as well as the next steps you should take if you believe that the insurance company has acted in bad faith. Contacting a knowledgeable insurance claims attorney may the first step towards uncovering negligent or inappropriate action on behalf of the insurance company. Some of the most common reasons for a car accident insurance claim denial include:

Failing to Report the Accident Promptly

One of the primary reasons why car accident insurance claims are denied is that the accident is not reported promptly. Insurance policies often require that claims be reported within a specific timeframe. Failing to report the accident within the required timeframe can result in the claim being denied.

Lack of Coverage

Another common reason for a car accident insurance claim being denied is a lack of coverage. It’s essential to review your insurance policy to understand the coverage limits and any exclusions. If the policy doesn’t cover the damages or injuries sustained in the accident, the insurance claim will be denied.

Policy Exclusions

Insurance policies often have exclusions that limit coverage for specific situations. For example, some policies may exclude coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reviewing your policy carefully can help you understand what is and is not covered.

Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Information

Providing inaccurate or incomplete information when filing an insurance claim can lead to the claim being denied. Insurance companies will investigate the accident, and if they find that the information you provided is inaccurate or incomplete, the claim may be denied.

Disputed Liability

Insurance claims can be denied if liability is disputed. This means there is a disagreement over who is at fault for the accident. The insurance company will investigate the accident to determine liability. If the other driver disputes liability, the claim may be denied.

Failure to Cooperate with the Investigation

If you fail to cooperate with the insurance company’s investigation, your claim may be denied. For example, if the insurance company requests information or documentation related to the accident and you fail to provide it, your claim may be denied.

Pre-Existing Damage

If the insurance company finds evidence of pre-existing damage, your claim may be denied. It’s crucial to document the condition of your vehicle before and after the accident to avoid any disputes over pre-existing damage.

Fraudulent Activity

Finally, insurance claims can be denied if there is evidence of fraudulent activity. This includes making false statements or intentionally causing an accident.

Complexity Of Personal Injury Claims              

One of the complexities of handling a case like this is that you may not realize the full extent of your injuries at the scene of the accident. Therefore, the insurance company’s attempt to deny you for not receiving treatment at the time of the injury may be invalid. You may not have realized for example, that you had suffered a concussion until hours or days after you received initial medical treatment or were looked at on the site of the accident. Ensuring that you have an attorney who is fighting hard for your rights from the outset of the case is very important to recovering benefits and helping you move on with your life. 

Personal Injury Help

An insurance company denial may their best attempt to protect their bottom-line rather than your interests. If you believe that they have acted in bad faith or have made a mistake in the management of your claim, it is imperative that you try to contact an insurance claims defense attorney as soon as possible.