What to Do if Your Car Insurance Claim Is Denied

You’re headed out on a routine errand when all of a sudden – crash! A car accident occurs. You’re okay, but you have minor injuries and damage to your vehicle. After the accident, you do all the right things, including making an insurance claim.

Then, you’re surprised when the insurance company denies your claim. We know it can be so frustrating and confusing when the insurance company denies a legitimate claim. What do you do now? Our Tampa car accident attorneys explain what to do.

When Your Tampa Car Accident Claim Is Denied

If your insurance company denies your claim, remember that you have appeal rights. Do not simply give up without exploring your options. Take the time to understand the reason that the insurance company gives for the denial. If it is a legitimate reason, you may choose to submit additional information and ask for reconsideration.

If the insurance company unfairly denies your claim, you may consider bringing a legal claim for compensation. In the meantime, continue with medical treatment and learn about the laws that may impact the claims process.

What Happens If Your Car Insurance Denies a Claim?

If your insurance denies a claim, they must give a reason for the denial of the request. However, the reasons may be vague or completely invalid. You may pursue an internal appeals process where you ask the insurance company to reconsider.

However, you have the right to bring a lawsuit under applicable state laws to ask for a court order. The court order says that the insurance company has to pay the claim. Remember that time limits to bring a lawsuit apply if your insurance denies a claim.

Steps to Take if the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

Don’t assume you are out of options if your insurance company denies your claim after a car accident. Here are the steps to take if the insurance company denies your claim:

1. Understand that it’s not over yet – An insurance claim doesn’t have to end just because the insurance company denies the application at the first opportunity. There is a process for internal appeals, as well as the opportunity to bring a lawsuit. Of course, you have important work to do. Remember, don’t give up! You have rights, and there are a lot of things that you can do to enforce your rights. Take a deep breath and understand that you still have a path to fair compensation.
2. Review the reasons for the denial – If the insurance company denies the claim, they must give you a reason. It’s important to carefully read the reasons that they offer so that you can respond appropriately. The denial provides clues about what their legal stance might be and how you might approach the matter. Review the denial against the policy terms and limits to determine if the rejection is fair. It may be a simple matter of providing additional explanations or information to support your claim.
3. Provide additional information, if necessary – Sometimes, getting payment after an insurance claim is denied is just a matter of providing more information to the insurance company. They may need more documentation of injuries, car repairs and other losses. You may be able to resolve the case quickly by figuring out what the insurance company wants to see. Carefully review why they denied the claim to see if providing additional documentation can resolve the matter.
4. Understand that there are time limits that apply when taking additional steps – When you have any kind of insurance claim, you need to know that there are time limits. If the insurance company doesn’t pay fairly, there’s only so much time that you have to begin legal action in court. All you need to do is get the legal claim officially started to beat the time limit.
5. Know that what you say matters – When your claim is denied, it’s natural to want to speak to the insurance company and argue the case. While good communication is essential, it’s still important to tread carefully. What you say to another party may be used in later court proceedings. The insurance company may want to find whatever they can to use against you. Be careful what you say to the insurance company as you work to resolve the claim.
6. Continue medical treatment – Even though the case is still unresolved, it’s important to continue to get the care that you need. Medical care is the foundation of any car accident claim that involves an injury. You need to gather evidence of your damages and demonstrate that you’re committed to treating your injuries.
7. Gather evidence as though you’re going to bring a legal claim – When the insurance company denies a claim, there’s a chance that the case may end up in court. That means you should gather evidence as though it is going to go to court. There are all kinds of things that you can and should do to gather evidence from contacting witnesses to taking photographs to working with experts. Continue building the claim for compensation until your case is fully resolved, however long that takes.
8. File a legal claim – If your insurance claim is unfairly denied, you have the right to file a lawsuit. If you win your case, the result is a legal judgment in your favor that orders the insurance company to pay. Filing a legal claim takes the case to a neutral third party. The legal action can provide justice when the insurance company fails to pay the claim. In addition to compensation for the claim’s value, you may qualify to demand an extra amount if the insurance company unfairly denies the claim. Work with an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer who knows how to take on the insurance company and will advocate on your behalf.

How Our Tampa Car Accident Attorneys Can Help if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied

If your insurance claim is denied, you don’t have to fight alone. Our Tampa attorneys for insurance claim denials can represent you and work on your behalf for your insurance claim. We’re experienced in fighting wrongful insurance denials. We work to resolve your claim quickly and for the maximum amount possible.

Call us at (813) 333-6666 or message us today for your free and confidential consultation. Remember, time limits apply to the case. Contact us today to get started.