Steps to take after your denied insurance claim
Insurance companies charge you premiums to make a profit. Every time they pay a claim, that profit drops. Thus, insurance companies do everything in their power to delay or deny claims. If your denied insurance claim was valid, here’s what you need to do after receiving your denial letter.
Identify the Cause of the Denial
When an insurance company denies your claim, it must give reasoning. The reasoning is typically included in the denial letter. Finding out why your claim was denied is the first step to getting the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, but the most common reasons are:
Disputed Liability
Depending on the policy, the insurance company will deny a claim if the policyholder was not at fault.
It’s common for insurance companies to try to deny liability, so they don’t have to pay the claim. The good news is you will typically be given a chance to appeal the denied insurance claim.
If the insurance company is disputing liability, you need to consult with an attorney. Because this is a commonly used tactic to deny claims, you will need a seasoned personal injury claim attorney to prove liability so you can be compensated. To prove liability, you will need to gather evidence such as a crash or police reports and medical records.
Policy Exclusions
In some cases, insurance companies will deny claims because of policy exclusions. Insurance policies generally don’t cover intentional acts, acts of God, or some natural disasters. If any of these elements were involved in your accident, you might not be covered.
Lapse in Policy
The other most common reason for a claim denial is a lapse in the policy, which happens when the policyholder fails to pay the premium.
Facing a denied insurance claim can be frustrating and leave you feeling outnumbered. Insurance companies are motivated to deny your claim to save them money, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced New Orleans car accident claim lawyer when filing a claim. A good attorney can help you appeal your denial and get your valid claim paid.
If you need help with an insurance claim, VPS Law personal injury attorney Vincent P. Scallan can help. With years of experience practicing plaintiffs’ personal injury law, we can fight aggressively on your behalf. Serving the New Orleans Greater Metropolitan area helps level the playing field against major insurance companies and corporations. If you’ve been injured or involved in an accident, call our office at (504) 272-0444 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly qualified personal injury attorneys. The sooner we can learn about your case and your needs, the more effective we can be at recovering fair and adequate compensation for your losses.
