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.

Distracted walking has become a significant public safety concern in recent years. The National Safety Council has recently added distracted walking to its injury categories because the problem has become so noticeable.

While the law recognizes that pedestrians have the right of way, it is still up to them to do their part and remain alert when walking near traffic.

The risk of injury is higher when crossing the street at intersections, even if they are in a crosswalk. Walking on the sidewalk can also be hazardous if motorists and pedestrians alike are not aware of their surroundings or are distracted by their phones, companions or passengers, or for any other reason.

THE HAZARDS OF DISTRACTED WALKING

Distracted walking increases the risk of a serious injury accident. Being hit by a vehicle is likely to result in severe and possibly fatal injury for a pedestrian, but vehicles aren’t the only danger. Injury by tripping and falling is also a serious concern

Medical bills, lost time from work and missed wages, and other physical and financial consequences of a distracted walking accident are simply not worth the risk. It is better to focus on getting to your destination safely. Once you arrive, you can take the time to call, text, use social media, or any other activity that might distract you while walking.

AVOIDING DISTRACTED WALKING

There are always risks when walking near traffic, but the risk of an injury accident increases exponentially if you are distracted. Many dangerous accidents can be prevented by following some simple walking safety tips:

• Don’t look at your phone while walking.
• Avoid other distracting activities.
• Focus on getting to your destination.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Only cross the street at controlled points.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Make eye contact with the drivers of cars around you.

Young people under the age of 25 are more likely to be distracted by technology while walking. Texting while walking ordinances have been implemented in several cities around the country. So far, no states have adopted these kinds of laws, so it is up to the individual to pay attention while walking and avoid careless drivers.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us immediately.

While driving your vehicle safely is important and necessary, many factors on the roads are out of your control. You simply cannot control or predict what other drivers are going to do. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself. Specifically, when driving near 18 wheelers.

Tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles can weigh more 80,000 pounds. Some of these are hauling flammable or hazardous materials. Others are carrying heavy equipment, often secured by the vehicle’s operator, who may be working more hours than allowed, leaving them under rested. While most truck drivers abide by the regulations of their industry and obey traffic laws, there are some who follow unsafe practices on a regular basis. This can cause accidents which almost always result in serious injury.

Whether you are heading out on a road trip, or just your daily highway commute, you will be sharing the road with commercial haulers. The following are tips to help keep you and your passengers safe.

Keep a safe braking distance when following trucks.

If you are within one or two car lengths of the back of a semi-truck, the driver likely cannot see you. This is one of these large trucks many blind spots. A trucker who gets tired behind the wheel may suddenly brake out of panic. These vehicles also take longer to stop, requiring the driver to get on the brakes hard in a situation where something is obstructing their path. Regardless of the reason for their stop, if you have not left yourself ample distance, you could end up under the back of the trailer.

Be aware of, and avoid, blind spots.

Along with the area directly to the rear of the trailer, trucks also have large blind spots on their sides and directly in front. Many trucks have signs that will warn you that you are in an area where their visibility is low. However, an impaired or overworked driver may not even bother to look. Best to fully avoid these areas when possible. When passing, do not linger and stay alert.

Do not pass a semi-truck on the right.

Directly beside the right side of these vehicles is the most dangerous area to be. Attempting to pass on the right puts you at serious risk. Trucks make wide right turns. One of the most common type of accident occurs when a right turning truck runs over a vehicle in this blind spot. Always pass on the left and watch for turn signals on large trucks.

Beyond the inherent danger of traveling near semi-trucks, are the risks that operators are known to take. These drivers work long hours and often spend many months on the road. Along with physical fatigue, truckers may also be under emotional stresses being away from family for extended periods of time. The trailers may be overloaded or hauling dangerous chemicals. Any number of these factors could be occurring simultaneously.

Don’t take any risks. Drive carefully, be alert, give them space.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer or other commercial vehicle, call the Law Offices of Gregory Chancy today at 770-427-3221.