13 Sep

Why Insurance Companies Might Deny Your Personal Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim plays a big part in receiving the compensation you deserve when you’ve been injured at the hands of a negligent driver or other party. Depending on the severity of the accident, you might find yourself not only physically injured, but mentally and emotionally impaired as well. The cost of treatment can add up quickly and you could face thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Filing a personal injury claim is the best way to address the implications of your accident. While insurance companies should be responsible for providing you with a full and fair settlement when you’re injured, it can be difficult to reach a satisfactory result as these companies often only look out for their own interests. Denied claims can unfortunately prohibit your physical recovery and financial stability, which is why it is important to understand why an insurance company might deny your personal injury claim. Let’s dive into it below.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims

Before we discuss why a claim might be denied, let’s talk about what exactly a personal injury claim is and what the process of filing one looks like. Personal injury cases or claims are legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury. These claims aim to pursue compensation for the injuries sustained.

There are several key steps involved in filing a personal injury claim, but before that, the injured party should seek medical attention. It’s crucial for accident victims to have a medical professional assess their injuries so that they can be treated accordingly, and avoid neglecting any invisible injuries. Additionally, medical documentation and bills can provide substantial evidence to support a personal injury claim, and determine how much compensation should be received.

Reasons Behind Insurance Claim Denials

Insurance policies are an integral part of personal injury cases as the coverage is intended to compensate injured parties. The coverage can serve as funding for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages that acquire due to the time needed off of work for victims to recover. Understanding insurance policies and the limits of their coverage is essential for the party that files the claim as well as their legal representation. Below are a few of the reasons an insurance company might deny a claim.

Victim Wasn’t Evaluated By A Medical Professional

If an accident victim doesn’t see a medical professional to have their injuries assessed following an accident, an insurance company might try to argue that any injuries they’re experiencing could likely be for a different reason. Being evaluated and having proof of doctor visits and bills can help accident victims prove liability for any injuries.

Inadequate Documentation

Having proper documentation prepared to validate a personal injury case is an essential step in reaching a successful outcome. Without comprehensive and well-organized records, it can be challenging to prove liability as well as the severity of injuries sustained in the accident. Thorough documentation enables professional representation to present a compelling case on behalf of an accident victim.

Below are a few examples of important documents you should have:

Medical records and bills
Police reports
Witness statements
Photographs of the scene and damage
And more.

Forgetting to obtain these documents or misplacing them can compromise the results of your case.

Statute of Limitations Has Expired

A personal injury claim has to be made within a certain period of time in Florida due to a statute of limitations. The statute states that an accident victim has four years from the date of the accident to file their lawsuit, though if the accident involved a government official, they may have as little as 6 months to file. It’s important to file immediately to prevent this from being a reason you’re unable to file a personal injury claim and get the compensation you deserve.

Policy Exclusions

Insurance policies, whether your own or of an at-fault party typically outline specific exclusions, which highlight what isn’t covered under a policy. There are several different types of exclusions, a few include natural disasters, intentional acts, criminal activities, certain types of damage/injury, excluded vehicles and drivers, and more. Understanding the exclusions within your insurance policy is crucial as they can impact your eligibility for compensation. A skilled personal injury attorney can evaluate your policy to see if any exclusions play a role in your case.

Personal injury claims can be tricky to navigate as you likely know by now. In addition to the emotional and physical duress that victims experience when they’ve been injured, the legal implications that follow can be all-consuming. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assist with the legal process of pursuing compensation.

How An Attorney Can Help With Denied Claims

There are several ways in which a PI attorney can be of great assistance and offer you an advantage in reaching a favorable outcome. Below are a few of the things they can help you do:

Evaluate your case to ensure you have a strong claim
Collect and organize essential documentation
Ensure you’re aware of your legal rights and options
Represent you during negotiations and court proceedings
Navigate policy exclusions
And more!

How The Florida Law Group Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important that you take action immediately. After being evaluated by a health professional, either at the scene or later on, it’s important that you keep a paper trail of your injuries and related expenses. You should also gather any police reports, witness statements, photos, or videos. The Florida Law Group’s personal injury lawyers are willing and able to help you navigate these steps as being involved in an accident is overwhelming enough.

Since 1984 our personal injury lawyers have helped accident victims recover over $1 billion dollars, so it’s no stretch when we say we know how to get results. We care about standing up for our client’s rights, and we’re prepared to support you on your recovery journey while working for a full and fair settlement on your behalf. Remember, there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, so don’t put it off. Call The Florida Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your next steps.