3 Reasons Your Car Insurance Claim Is Getting Denied After an Injury
Insurance companies like to say theyโre on your side, but anyone whoโs dealt with them knows thatโs accurate. An insurerโs ultimate concern is its profits, and itโll look for any reason it can find to reduce your compensation or deny your claim.
While hiring an Atlanta car accident lawyer gives you your strongest opportunity to recover full compensation, you can also improve your likelihood of a successful claim by knowing why insurers commonly deny claims. Taking proper precautions can help you avoid a denial.
1. The Insurance Company Claims You Caused the Accident
Even if you know the other driver caused the crash, the insurance company might argue that you played a role. Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule in car accident claims, which means you canโt recover any compensation if youโre 50 percent or more at fault for the accident. (See Section 51-12-33 of the Code of Georgia.) Insurers sometimes use vague or incomplete evidence, like a lack of witnesses or unclear photos, to shift blame onto you. They may even twist your words from a recorded statement to weaken your case.
2. They Say Your Injuries Arenโt Serious or Arenโt Accident-Related
Itโs not unusual for insurance companies to question whether your injuries are legitimate or connected to an accident. If you waited too long to see a doctor or skipped follow-up appointments, they may claim your injuries arenโt serious. If you have a pre-existing condition, they might argue your pain was already there before the crash. They might even downplay clear injuries like whiplash or concussions if thereโs no immediate diagnosis in your medical records.
3. Thereโs a Dispute Over Coverage or Policy Details
Sometimes, insurers deny claims because they say you have no valid coverage for the accident. This might happen if the driver who hit you didnโt have an active policy or the insurer claims the policyholder violated its terms, like failing to pay premiums or letting someone unauthorized drive the car. Your own insurance could also deny benefits (such as uninsured motorist coverage) if your coverage lapsed or the type of claim you filed isnโt included in your policy.
What to Do if an Insurer Denies Your Car Accident Claim
Donโt panic or give up if an insurance company denies your car accident claim. Start by reviewing the denial letter carefully, as the insurer must explain why they rejected your claim.
Next, gather all documents related to the accident, including the official crash report, your medical records, and any communication with the insurance company. Itโs also smart to check your policy to confirm your coverage.
If something seems off, you can ask the insurer to reconsider its decision. You can also submit a formal appeal. As your case progresses, keep detailed notes of every conversation and document you send. If the insurer still wonโt budge, you may need to contact a car accident attorney to protect your rights.
How Kaufman Injury Law Can Help if an Insurer Denies Your Claim
At Kaufman Injury Law, we know how frustrating it is when an insurer denies your car accident claim. We can step in to review your denial letter, examine the other driverโs insurance policy and your coverage, and gather evidence to challenge the insurerโs decision. Weโll collect your medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to support your case. Furthermore, weโll handle all communication with the insurance company so you donโt have to deal with their tactics or delays. If they still refuse to pay what youโre owed, weโll be ready to file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.
Trust a car accident law firm with over 45 years of experience to defend your rights. Call Kaufman Injury Law now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
Recent Post
- How to Handle Retaliation After Reporting a Workplace Injury in Georgia
- Injured by Faulty Equipment at Work? When the Company May Be Liable
- Georgia’s Seatbelt Laws and How they Effect Personal Injury Claims
- What Reasons Do Insurance Companies Have to Delay or Deny Valid Claims?
- Can I Change Lawyers During a Car Accident Case?
- Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta and How to Recover
- How Georgiaโs Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Car Accident Claim
- Three Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Injury Claims in Georgia
- Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault in a Georgia Car Accident?
- Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workersโ Comp Claim in Georgia?
