Once you’ve been in a car accident, your next step is usually to file a claim against the insurance company of the person at fault. Compensation from your claim is what will cover losses like time missed from work, medical bills, damaged property, and your suffering and pain.
Unfortunately, many car insurance companies deny claims. While the reasons for denial vary, there are some common claim denials you may be able to avoid by taking the right steps when you go to file.
The Accident Was Avoidable or Not Reported on Time
If the cause of your accident was avoidable but you didn’t take an action that would have prevented it, you may have ended up with a denied claim. The same applies if you did something that contributed to the accident happening, such as driving while intoxicated. Should you feel there was nothing you could have realistically done to prevent your accident but your claim was denied for this reason, speak to an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Insurance policies contain rules about the reporting of a car accident, so make sure you report your accident to them as soon as you can so you are within this timeframe. Keep in mind that you only need to offer the basic details of the accident; any other statements you make could be used to damage your claim later. You do not have to immediately give an insurer a full statement about your accident, although they may act is if you have to. Do not give a statement to the insurer without your attorney present.
Medical Treatment Was Delayed
Any injuries you receive in a car accident should be treated as soon as possible. This is vital for your health and recovery and also for your claim. When you receive care right after an accident, your medical records will show that you sought care and help establish that your injury was caused by the accident. I
f you wait to receive care, the insurer may deny your claim, saying your injuries came from somewhere else, existed before you got into the accident or are not as severe as you are stating. Even if you feel okay now, an injury could make itself known later, so getting treatment early is the best way to go.
Insurance Coverage Is Not Sufficient
When there are serious injuries involved in an accident, there is often a higher price tag associated with the damages. Unfortunately, this total may exceed the coverage provided by the at-fault driver’s policy. When this happens, your claim could be denied for reasons listed below.
• The limits of the insurance coverage are exhausted.
• The damages you suffered are more than the coverage limits on the policy.
• The policy does not have the right coverage type for your accident and/or losses.
In addition, the at-fault driver needs to be listed as a driver on the insurance policy associated with the car. If they are not, you will not be able to get your claim through the issuing insurance company.
Keep in mind that even if the insurance company route is not going to be an option in your case, you can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in court for your losses. Contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as you can if you are in this situation.
Avoiding a Claims Dispute
You can take steps to avoid a claims dispute by getting as much information as you can after the car accident. This includes exchanging information with any other driver involved, such as license plate numbers and registration information, insurance cards and contact details.
When you have organized and clear information to offer your attorney and the claims adjuster handling your case, the entire process will go more smoothly. Document everything related to the accident, your losses stemming from it, and all the medical care you received.
A car accident can result in many losses for the victim involved, including missed work wages, destroyed property and medical bills. If you have suffered losses from a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney about your case as soon as possible to ensure all your rights are protected.
