When you get into a car accident, the last thing you want to deal with is a denied claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies are rarely eager to give out money, and these firms can make it difficult for people to get the compensation they deserve. A denial does not have to be the end of the road though. Our Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers can tell you what to do next.
What Kinds of Insurance Claims Can I Make After an Accident?
Washington, D.C. follows no-fault rules, meaning that you would first make a claim with your own insurer after an accident. This is known as a first-party claim. You can use personal injury protection coverage to pay for medical expenses and make up for other costs, like lost wages.
If you are seriously injured, that is when you would make a claim with another driver’s insurance company. This is known as a third-party claim, and it’s going to require you to show that this driver was to blame for the accident. It can be tough to prove negligence, which is why it may be necessary to secure the help of a personal injury attorney if you’re convinced that another driver should be paying out for this accident.
Why Would a Claim Get Denied?
Insurers can attempt to get out of paying a claim in all types of ways. You may be denied because:
- They don’t believe you need medical treatment
- A pre-existing condition contributed to your injuries
- You didn’t give them enough evidence
- There’s debate about fault or liability
- There was a lapse in the policy
- You do not have the type of coverage you’re trying to use
What Can I Do If a Claim Gets Denied?
First, look at the reason for the denial. Then contact the insurance company to try and work things out. You may have been denied simply because some paperwork got lost in the shuffle. If there’s an easy fix, you may be able to find it on your own.
If you cannot work things out with the insurance company on your own, you may want to bring in a personal injury attorney. They can help you negotiate and sue for damages if necessary.
What Kinds of Claims Can a Lawyer Help With?
We mentioned that a lawyer can help with a third-party claim, but we can help with first-party claims as well. If your own insurance company does not believe that it should pay for expenses stemming from the accident, we can help you gather evidence and build a case that shows the legitimacy of your claim.
Meet With Our Legal Team
So if the insurance companies seem to be throwing up barrier after barrier between you and the compensation you deserve, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC. We can tell you more about your legal options and how we can use our experience negotiating with insurers to assist you.