Why Was Your Car Accident Claim Denied?
Why Was Your Car Accident Claim Denied?

After being injured in a car accident that was not your fault, the last thing you need is to have your insurance claim denied. Unfortunately, insurance companies deny claims quite frequently. Sometimes there is a legitimate reason for the denial of the claim; other times, the insurance adjuster is simply hoping you will give up on pursuing your claim.

Reasons a Claim Might be Denied

Here are some reasons the at-fault driver’s insurance company might deny your claim:

  • The driver’s policy lapsed. If the driver failed to pay his or her policy premiums, the coverage may have lapsed. Unfortunately, this is something you might not be privy to at the time of the accident. The driver may still have had an insurance card stating that he or she was insured. If it turns out the driver was not covered at the time of the crash, you will likely have to rely on your uninsured motorist coverage to cover your damages.
  • The driver was excluded from the policy. If the at-fault driver was a family member or friend not covered by the insurance policy, the insurance company may deny the claim. For example, if the driver was the policyholder’s child, but was not listed on the policy, the claim will likely be denied.  
  • You did not report the accident to the insurer in time. Most insurance policies include a time limit for reporting the accident in order to receive coverage. Pay close attention to this time limit and submit your claim as soon as possible to avoid this.
  • The insurance company does not agree that their client is at fault. If the insurance company denies their driver’s liability, they might deny your claim. In this case, you may want to contact your insurance company and ask what they recommend. They may suggest filing a claim through your own policy. If your insurance company believes the other driver was at fault, they can fight the other driver’s insurance company for reimbursement.  

If your claim has been denied for any reason, make sure you get the reason for the denial in writing from the insurance adjuster. A personal injury attorney may also be able to help you fight a wrongful denial of your claim.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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