Reasons Why Your Claim May Be Denied After An Auto Accident in Denver
Car accident victims who have been injured by negligent drivers are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But sometimes, the at-fault party’s insurance company denies your claim after an auto accident in Denver. Why? Here are some of the reasons:
Lack of Documentation
It’s your responsibility to provide documentation to the insurance company that proves your injuries and the losses that you have suffered as a result of being injured. The insurance company will expect to see medical records, proof of expenses, and proof of lost income before they compensate you. If you cannot provide this information, you shouldn’t expect to be compensated.
Pre-Existing Condition
An insurance company will not compensate you for an injury that existed prior to the accident. For example, let’s say you are asking for compensation for a back injury, but your medical records show that you had the back injury long before the accident occurred. The insurance company is not obligated to compensate you for this injury unless you can provide proof that the accident made it worse. Learn how a pre-existing condition affects your personal injury claim.
Delay in Treatment
Every personal injury attorney will tell you that it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. Why? If there is a significant gap between the time the accident occurred and the time that you get medical attention, the insurance company may deny your claim. If you wait days to seek medical attention after an accident, the insurance adjuster may argue that your injuries were sustained in another way. He may say that if you really were injured in the accident, you would have gotten help right away instead of waiting. Avoid this common problem by going to a doctor as soon as possible—even if you do not think your injuries are severe.
Policy Issues
A claim can also be denied because of the terms included in the policy. For instance, you may find out that the at-fault driver was not making payments on his insurance policy at the time of the accident, which means the company has no obligation to compensate you. If this happens, you would need to look into whether your own insurance policy contains uninsured motorist coverage. It’s also possible that you waited too long to file the claim and therefore are no longer eligible to recover compensation.
Bad Faith
These are all legitimate reasons to deny your claim, but sometimes, an insurance company rejects your claim without a valid reason to do so. If your claim has been denied, it’s important to find out why so you can determine if the company is acting in bad faith. You will need an attorney’s help if you believe that the company is denying your claim for no reason.
If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. Mark A. Simon will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve. Call us or contact Mark A. Simon to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.