What to Do If My Injury Claim is Denied?
Each year, Americans pay thousands of dollars in car insurance premiums. It is estimated that Tennesseans will pay over $1,500 on average in 2024, with residents in some states paying close to $2,500 each year.
Most of us view insurance as a security blanket that will help us when we need it. If you are the victim of a car accident, you expect the insurance company to pay on your claim. Unfortunately, that is often not the case.
If your injury claim has been denied, our Davidson County personal injury lawyers are ready to fight with the insurance company to recover the compensation you deserve.
Tennessee Liability Auto Insurance
If you drive in the state of Tennessee, you are required to have the following minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Reasons Auto Insurance Companies Deny Claims
Insurance companies always try to pay as little as possible on claims. An insurance adjuster may deny your claim for any of the following reasons:
You Waited Too Long to Report the Accident
In Tennessee, if anyone was injured or killed, or if there is more than $400 in property damage, you must file an Owner/Driver Vehicle Accident Report. The report must be submitted to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days of your collision. Failure to submit this report could result in a claim denial.
Missing Documentation
When you are injured in a car accident, the car insurance company will request that you provide all documentation related to the accident. You could submit all the documentation related to your injury but forget to submit a police report and have your claim denied.
Your Claim Exceeds the At-Fault Driver’s Policy Limits
A bodily injury claim could be denied if your claim is more than the at-fault driver’s liability limits. If you have $40,000 in medical bills and the at-fault driver has only the required bodily injury coverage of $25,000, your claim will likely be denied.
Steps to Take Following a Claim Denial
If an auto insurer denies your claim, you should hire a Davidson County car accident lawyer to assist you in appealing the decision.
A car accident lawyer will assist you with the following:
Gathering Necessary Evidence
You should gather all documentation and evidence related to your accident. This may include the police report, physicians’ notes, medical imaging, and photographs of the accident scene.
Organize Evidence and Supporting Information
A car accident lawyer will help you organize information in a logical sequence to make it easier for an insurance adjuster to understand your case. You are essentially completing the investigation the insurance company was not capable of doing.
Drafting an Appeal Letter
A Davidson car accident lawyer will help you draft an appeal letter for your denied claim. It will state the errors made on the part of the insurance company backed up by any supporting evidence.
Insurance Claim Denied? Speak with our Davidson County Car Accident Lawyers
An insurance claim denial can leave you feeling helpless. While the refusal to pay your medical bills and lost wages can sting, the denial is often unjustified. If your injury claim has been denied, do not hesitate to reach out to our Davidson County car accident lawyers.
We are available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us online or by phone today to schedule your free consultation.