If you’ve been hurt in an accident where s omeone is at fault, his/her insurance company does not want you to hire a personal injury lawyer. It is because the insurance adjuster knows he/she will have to pay larger “fairer” insurance settlement amounts to resolve the personal injury accident case.
Speaking with an experienced lawyer before you contact your insurance company to make a claim can help you avoid hurting your case when you communicate with experienced insurance representatives when you open a claim, he adds. “Remember this,” he adds.
Even the insurance industry recommends a lawyer—to a certain point. The Insurance Information Institute, an industry-funded trade group, issued a statement on how the claims process works.
“Insurance companies are not afraid to deny a claim using shaky reasoning because an unrepresented claimant has no ability to seek a remedy in court. Insurance companies are far less likely to try to deny a valid claim when an attorney is involved,” he says.
“If your claim is not a simple one and may involve interpretation of the policy, it is sometimes best to consult an attorney,” says Pamella Seay, who teaches justice studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. “Some attorneys may provide you with a review to give you some guidelines on what to do on your own, though most will not.
Here are a few common reasons insurers reject claims:The driver who caused the collision hasn't paid their monthly premiums. ... You don't understand your policy. ... You committed fraud or provided false information during the application process. ... You didn't report the incident on time. ... You're an excluded driver.More items...•
Oftentimes, the insurance company will offer you a lowball settlement tricking you into believing that is the most you are entitled to. While this offer may seem enticing initially, insurance companies will almost always offer you only a fraction of what your case is actually worth.
Insurance claims are often denied if there is a dispute as to fault or liability. Companies will only agree to pay you if there's clear evidence to show that their policyholder is to blame for your injuries. If there is any indication that their policyholder isn't responsible the insurer will deny your claim.
If you make a claim with your insurer, it likely will choose to fight the other insurance company for compensation if it finds that the other driver is at fault. But if you decide to fight the at-fault driver's insurer on your own you'll need a lawyer — especially if you've been seriously injured.
Top 10 Ways to Get Maximum Return After Filing an Auto Insurance...1.) Check for rental car coverage. ... 2.) Review your insurance policy. ... 3.) Prepare for a phone call. ... 4.) Prepare for a phone call from the other party. ... 5.) Don't give anything in writing. ... 6.) Keep good records. ... 7.) Save receipts. ... 8.)More items...•
A false insurance claim can lead to jail, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. Lying to your insurance company could seem like a good idea at the time, but in reality, it's a form of insurance fraud.
The best way to scare insurance carriers or adjusters is to have an attorney by your side to fight for you. You should not settle for less.
Appeal your car insurance claim denialGather evidence: Review any documentation provided by the insurance company and gather the evidence you need to appeal. ... Draft an appeal letter: This letter will spell out why you do not agree with the insurance company's decision.More items...•
about 30 daysGenerally, the insurance company has about 30 days to investigate your auto insurance claim, though the number of days vary by state.
Hiring a motor vehicle accident lawyer after a car accident that was your fault is a good first step, before speaking to the insurance companies. Lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies and can help mitigate any claims that are made against you by the other parties involved in the accident.
An insurance company may drag out the time it takes to investigate a claim before agreeing to pay. This tactic is done to see if the policyholder will just give up pursuing the claim. Most state's set deadlines for an insurance company to accept or deny a claim, ranging from 15 to 60 days.
“Denying liability” means that the prospective defendant (or his insurer) says that they were not negligent. They say that they were not at fault. Several elements make up a personal injury claim. They are insurance coverage, negligence, causation and damages.