If your car accident insurance company denies your claim, it can leave you facing high medical bills, property damage, or lost wages. Unfortunately, insurance claim denial is more common than you might think. But just because your claim was initially denied doesn’t mean the process is over.
At DWK Law, our experienced Orlando car accident attorneys can help you understand why your claim was denied and what steps you can take to fight back.
Why do car accident insurance claims get denied?
There are several reasons an insurance company denies your claim, including:
- Missing or incomplete documentation, such as a police report or medical records
- Disputes over who was at fault in the accident
- Claims of pre-existing conditions that impact your medical expenses
- The company says your insurance coverage doesn’t apply
- You failed to file a claim on time or missed part of the claims process
- An insurance adjuster believes your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident
After a denial, you should receive a written explanation or denial letter outlining the reason. Review this carefully to determine your next steps.
What to do if your insurance claim is denied
If your auto insurance claim has been denied, you don’t have to accept it. Here’s what to do:
1. Review the denial letter
Your first step is to review the denial letter from your auto insurer. Insurance companies must provide a written explanation when they deny a claim. The letter should state why the claim was rejected and which part of your insurance coverage is being cited.
Some common reasons for denial include the insurer believing you caused the accident, claiming that the damages or injuries aren’t covered under your policy, or asserting that you failed to file your claim on time. They might also argue that your injuries were the result of pre-existing conditions or that you didn’t submit essential documentation.
2. Gather evidence
Building a strong claim starts with having the right evidence for your case to back up your side of the story. To strengthen your case, collect:
- Your police report
- Medical records and bills
- Photographs of the accident
- Witness statements
- Documentation of lost wages and medical expenses
3. Speak with an attorney
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. At DWK Law, we help clients across Orlando deal with insurance claim denials and underpaid claims.
Our experienced team of car accident lawyers can:
- Review your denial letter and insurance policy
- Identify any improper claim handling or bad-faith tactics
- Communicate directly with the insurance adjuster on your behalf
- Guide you through the appeals process
- Help you file a lawsuit if needed to recover compensation
You don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone, especially when they’re not playing fair.
Can I appeal a denied car accident claim?
Yes. The appeals process allows you to contest a denial and present new or corrected information. An attorney can help you submit a detailed letter disputing the decision, along with supporting documentation and any necessary clarification about pre-existing conditions. Make sure to act quickly, as insurers often have strict deadlines for filing an appeal.
Will I be stuck paying out of pocket?
If your insurance company denies your claim, you could end up covering medical bills, lost wages, and property damage on your own. That’s why it’s important to get legal guidance as early as possible.
Our legal team can review your case, fight to have your claim reconsidered, and explore other compensation options, such as filing against the at-fault driver.
Get legal help if your car accident claim was denied
Don’t let a denied insurance claim derail your recovery. If your claim was rejected due to paperwork issues or the insurer is acting in bad faith, you still have legal options. At DWK Law, we understand the frustration of dealing with insurance after car accidents, and our team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. To talk with an experienced attorney, call us at (407) 244-3000 or schedule a free consultation online today.
