How to Avoid Denied Claims
After an automotive accident, you are going to need to file a claim with the other party’s insurance provider. This is necessary to recoup funds from medical treatment, missed work, and damages that you are entitled too. The hard truth is, claims can be denied for a variety of reasons. Luckily, by understanding the reasons claims may be denied, you can avoid the common pitfalls.
It Could be Determined that the Accident Was Avoidable
If you could have somehow avoided the accident and you did not take action to do so, this would be grounds to deny the claim. Also, if your actions directly caused the accident, this would be reason for denial.
Report Accidents as Soon as Possible
Every policy will have stipulations regarding when an accident should be reported. If you do not adhere to the required timeframe, the provider could deny your claim. Since these rules can vary, always report an accident immediately.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Do not delay when it comes to seeking medical help after an accident. This can cause a claim to be denied, but more importantly, could put your health at risk. If it becomes necessary to seek a settlement for injuries you sustained, the medical records will show that treatment began after, and was received during the accident. If you fail to get medical treatment right after your accident, the insurance company may deny your claim altogether. The insurer may say that your injuries were not a result of the accident. That they were due to preexisting conditions. That they are not as severe as you claim, or that they simply don’t exist.
Insufficient Insurance Coverage
Serious injuries resulting from a car accident are expensive. If these costs exceed the policy’s coverage, the claims can be denied. They could also be denied if the coverage has reached it’s limits, or the policy does not carry the proper coverage for the incident.
Driver Excluded from the Policy
If the driver at fault for the accident is not on the car insurance policy, your claim will be denied. In the event that the insurance provider excludes the at-fault driver from a policy due to his or her poor driving record, your claim will be also denied.
Violating Laws and Negligent Driving
If you were found to be in violation of any traffic laws, your claim will be denied. Driving recklessly, aggressively, while distracted, or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will be immediate cause for a denial.
Get Help Today
If your car accident insurance claim was denied, you should seek legal representation. Contact the Law Office of Gregory Chancy today for a consultation.