The appeals process for denied car insurance claims generally involves submitting a claim appeal, gathering more evidence, and working with a Tacoma car accident lawyer.
A car accident can be traumatic. The process of recovering damages can also be stressful and frustrating. A denial of your initial claim can only add to your frustration and anxiety. You do not have to incur financial hardship because of someone else’s negligence. A personal injury lawyer near you can help you understand your financial recovery options, including filing a well-documented appeal.
If a lawyer represents you, they will take on your insurance company or that of the at-fault driver. Your lawyer will explain the appeal process for denied car insurance claims in detail. They will start by reviewing your case and the reason it was denied. Your legal team will collect additional evidence and information that supports your right to damages.
What to Do If an Insurance Company Denies Your Car Accident Claim
According to Washington State’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner, every vehicle registered in the state is required to carry auto insurance. If you were injured in an accident with a driver who did not comply with the state’s insurance requirement, you may have to turn to your own insurer for protection.
If your accident involved an insured third-party driver, you could seek damages from their insurance company. A car accident attorney can help you file an appeal if either insurance provider denied your claim. They will clarify your rights as the injured party and explain how insurance works in personal injury cases. Your lawyer will also explain the appeals process, which often involves:
Documenting the Reason Your Initial Car Accident Claim Was Denied
The insurance company should explain why your claim was denied. Keep track of any correspondence between you and the insurance adjuster. This includes all written correspondence, emails, phone calls, and text messages.
Provide copies of all correspondence to your car accident attorney. They will carefully examine these documents for errors and inaccuracies that may have affected your case.
Collecting Additional Evidence to Support Your Car Accident Appeal
An insurance company may deny your claim if the evidence presented to them did not convince them of their policyholder’s negligence. As part of the appeals process, your lawyer may collect additional supporting evidence and documents.
This could include proof of your property damage such as repair estimates. Your medical bills may also serve as useful evidence.
Notifying the Insurance Company of Your Intent to File an Appeal
Just as your initial claim did, the appeals process can require a plethora of paperwork and claims forms. On your own, these can be daunting. A lawyer will have familiarity with these forms and can complete and submit them on your behalf.
Your legal team will prepare and submit a claims appeal letter. It will explain:
- Why your claim was denied
- Why you dispute this finding
- How the accident occurred
- Additional supporting evidence
The law firm handling your appeal will also track the progress of your appeal and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
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Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Appeals Claim
If you were injured in a recent collision, you should consider various factors when hiring a car accident attorney. There are many benefits of hiring a lawyer rather than taking on the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your own. To strengthen your appeal, your personal injury attorney will:
- Accurately determine the value of your case
- Manage the settlement negotiation process
- Obtain your police report, medical records, and bills
- Handle all case-related paperwork and communication
- Identify and consult with relevant expert witnesses
- Locate and interview accident witnesses
A Lawyer Can Build a Comprehensive Case File to Support Your Appeals Claim
The evidence collected after a car accident tells your representative and the at-fault driver’s insurance company what happened. It can provide information on the sequence of events, the condition of each driver, and the accident’s causes and contributing factors.
The evidence your lawyer collects to corroborate your appeal can include additional:
- Witness statements
- Photos and video footage
- Police narratives
- First responder reports
- Medical expert statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
The additional supporting evidence your case requires can vary based on the cause of the insurer’s denial. It can also vary based on the type of accident you were involved in and its outcome. Your legal team will conduct interviews or re-interviews and collect evidence for you.
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Damages You Can Recover With an Effective Car Insurance Appeal
A denial of your claim does not have to mean you bear the financial burden of another driver’s negligence. Filing an appeal can help you get compensation for your car accident case. When your lawyer files an effective appeal, you could still recover the following damages:
- Emergency and ongoing medical bills
- Lost income due to injury and recovery
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Lasting disfiguring and disabling injuries
- Compensation for diminished quality of life
Your lawyer will fight hard for a fair financial outcome for you. They can also help you recover the costs of repairing your car or of replacing it altogether if it was declared a total loss.
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Your Lawyer Will Clarify Any Filing Deadlines that Affect the Appeals Process
The initial statute of limitations on filing a car accident lawsuit is three years, according to RCW § 4.16.080. This filing deadline applies to both personal injury and wrongful death cases.
The appeals process after a car accident can take time. It can also involve one or more additional notification and filing deadlines. Your lawyer will inform you of the applicable timeline. They will also keep you updated on the progress of your case and the time limits the insurance company must comply with when handling and responding to your claim or appeal.
Learn More About Appealing Your Denied Car Insurance Claim
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident and your insurance claim was denied, you do not have to give up hope of recovering damages. Our car accident lawyer will help you build a strong case for appeal.
While you focus on getting better, we manage the details of the appeal process for denied car insurance claims. Find out how hard we go to bat for you by contacting our consultation team at Jackman Law Firm today. We offer legal advice and explain how we can seek your fair settlement.
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