After an auto accident, you expect your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company to cover the costs of vehicle damage, medical bills, and other losses. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen as smoothly as you might hope. Insurance companies routinely deny auto accident claims, leaving accident victims to bear the financial burden alone. If your claim has been denied, you’re not alone—and there are steps you can take to fight back.
At Cheryl A. Wulf, Attorney at Law, Cheryl helps clients understand why their claims were denied and works to pursue the compensation they deserve. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common reasons why insurance companies deny auto accident claims and how Cheryl can help you take action.
Common Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Auto Accident Claims
Insurance companies are businesses, and one of their main goals is to protect their bottom line. As a result, they may look for ways to minimize or outright deny claims whenever possible. Here are some of the most common reasons why auto accident claims are denied:
1. Disputed Liability
One of the most frequent reasons insurance companies deny claims is a dispute over liability, or who is at fault for the accident. If the insurance company believes you were at fault for the accident or that their policyholder was not responsible, they may refuse to pay out on the claim. Even in situations where liability seems clear to you, the insurance company may claim that their policyholder is not to blame.
2. Policy Exclusions
Insurance policies often contain specific exclusions, or situations in which coverage does not apply. For example, some policies may not cover certain types of accidents, such as those involving uninsured drivers or accidents that occur while using a vehicle for business purposes. If the insurance company believes that your accident falls under one of these exclusions, they may deny your claim.
3. Lapsed Coverage
If the other driver’s insurance coverage has lapsed—meaning they failed to pay their premiums and their policy was canceled—their insurance company may deny your claim. Similarly, if your own insurance policy lapsed, your insurer may deny your claim for coverage.
4. Failure to Report the Accident in Time
Insurance companies often have strict deadlines for reporting accidents. If you fail to report the accident promptly, the insurance company may deny your claim, arguing that they were not given enough time to investigate the incident. This is why it’s essential to report an accident as soon as possible, even if you don’t think the damage is significant.
5. Insufficient Evidence
When filing a claim, it’s important to provide sufficient evidence to support your version of events. Insurance companies often deny claims if they believe there is not enough evidence to prove that the accident occurred as you say it did or that the injuries and damages you claim are related to the accident. Without solid documentation—such as police reports, medical records, or witness statements—your claim may be denied.
6. Pre-existing Conditions
If you suffered injuries in the accident, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were the result of a pre-existing condition and not caused by the accident. This is a common tactic used by insurance companies to reduce or deny claims for medical expenses, even if the accident clearly aggravated a previous injury.
7. Suspicion of Fraud
Insurance companies are always on the lookout for fraudulent claims. If they suspect that your claim is exaggerated or fabricated in any way, they may deny it. For example, if the insurance company believes you’re overstating the severity of your injuries or damage to your vehicle, they may deny your claim outright.
How Cheryl A. Wulf Can Help with Denied Auto Accident Claims
A denied insurance claim can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional fallout of an auto accident. However, a denial is not the end of the road. With the help of an experienced attorney like Cheryl A. Wulf, you can challenge the insurance company’s decision and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how Cheryl can help:
1. Investigating the Claim
The first step Cheryl will take is to investigate your claim thoroughly. She will gather evidence, review the insurance policy, and examine the details of the accident to determine whether the insurance company’s denial is valid. This may include obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other documentation that supports your case.
2. Challenging the Denial
If Cheryl determines that the insurance company’s denial is unjustified, she will take steps to challenge the denial. This could involve negotiating with the insurance company directly or submitting a formal appeal. Cheryl has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and knows how to push back against their tactics to protect her clients’ rights.
3. Proving Liability
One of the most critical aspects of an auto accident claim is proving liability. Cheryl will work to establish who was at fault for the accident by reviewing evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness testimony, accident reconstruction reports, and more. She will build a strong case to show that the other party is responsible for the accident and, therefore, liable for your damages.
4. Handling Policy Exclusions and Lapsed Coverage
If the insurance company is denying your claim based on policy exclusions or lapsed coverage, Cheryl can help clarify the terms of the policy and fight to get your claim approved. She will ensure that the insurance company is not wrongfully denying coverage based on a misinterpretation of the policy.
5. Negotiating a Fair Settlement
In many cases, insurance companies will try to settle claims for far less than they’re worth. Cheryl will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and any other costs related to the accident. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, Cheryl is prepared to take the case to court.
6. Litigating the Case if Necessary
If the insurance company continues to deny your claim or refuses to offer a fair settlement, Cheryl is ready to litigate the case. She has extensive courtroom experience and will aggressively pursue your claim in court to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Cheryl A. Wulf for Your Auto Accident Claim
Cheryl A. Wulf is a seasoned attorney with a deep understanding of Texas auto accident law and the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims. She is committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation to each of her clients and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover from your accident.
Conclusion
Being denied an auto accident claim can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s important to remember that a denial doesn’t mean your fight for compensation is over. Insurance companies often deny claims for a variety of reasons, but with the right legal representation, you can challenge their decision and pursue the money you’re entitled to.
If your auto accident claim has been denied or you’re struggling to get a fair settlement, contact Cheryl A. Wulf, Attorney at Law, at (903) 525-9869 or visit her office at 11702 Hwy 64 E, Tyler, TX 75707. Cheryl will review your case and help you take the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.
