When you are injured in a car accident in Prince George’s County or anywhere in Maryland for that matter, you may file a claim against the negligent driver’s auto insurance policy to help you recover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle. However, despite filing the necessary paperwork and providing supplemental documentation, you may find that your claim has been denied. Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon outcome for drivers, and it can leave many unsure of how to proceed or what their legal options are.. That’s why it’s important to know why claims get denied and if you’ll need the help of a Prince George’s County auto accident lawyer.
What Types of Insurance Claims Can Be Filed After a Car Accident?
When you get hurt in an accident in Maryland, you can make claims with your own insurance company or another driver’s insurer. This is dependent on who is at fault, how much coverage each party has, and the amount of damages involved.
Every driver is required to carry liability coverage. This pays out when someone is clearly responsible for the accident and someone else’s damages. So you have to build a case against this other driver and show how they are to blame for what happened to you.
Common Post-Accident Insurance Claims
- First-party claims filed with your own insurance company
- Third-party claims filed against the other driver’s insurance
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims for medical expenses
- Property damage claims for damage to or replacement of vehicles
Why Car Accident Claims Get Denied in Maryland
Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons an insurance company may deny a claim. Denials are often tied to the financial benefit of limiting compensation rather than the merit and validity of the filed claim.
Common Reasons Insurers Deny Claims
- Insufficient medical documentation proving the injury is linked to the accident
- Disputes over fault or liability for the collision
- Allegations that the injuries were pre-existing
- Claims that medical care was unnecessary or excessive
- Lapsed or insufficient insurance coverage
Common Arguments Insurers Use to Justify Denials
- Lack of evidence that proves the other driver is responsible for the collision
- Claims that injuries were present before the collision
- An assertion that medical care was optional and unnecessary
Can Your Own Insurance Company Deny a Claim?
Drivers in Prince George’s County and across the state often assume that, because they have insurance, as long as they file a claim with their company, it will be approved. However, this is not the case. First-party claims can and are denied for a number of reasons.
Common First-Party Claim Denial Situations
- Filing the wrong type of claim under a policy
- Trying to use coverage you never purchased
- Exceeding PIP or uninsured motorist policy limits
- Incomplete or erroneous documentation
What Should You Do if Your Car Accident Claim Is Denied?
When you receive notice that a car accident claim has been denied in Maryland, it can be incredibly overwhelming as you consider the expenses incurred as a result. However, it’s necessary to understand that you may be able to correct or appeal the decision with the help of legal representation.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Denial
- Ask for a written explanation of the denial decision
- Carefully review the details
- Request clarification
- Gather additional documentation, like medical records, photos, and accident reports
Filing an Appeal or Legal Claim
- File a formal appeal with supporting evidence and documentation
- Directly address the insurer’s reasons for the denial
- Escalate the claim through litigation or negotiation with the assistance of an attorney
What Kinds of Claims Can a Lawyer Help With?
Disputing an insurance claim can be incredibly overwhelming, as these matters typically involve complex terminology, dense policy conditions, and aggressive defense strategies. However, working with an experienced attorney can help you fight for the best possible outcome, including the compensation you deserve.
Ways an Attorney Can Strengthen a Denied Claim
- Identify policy coverage errors or mistakes
- Handle communication with insurers
- Compile evidence
- Assist you in filing a personal injury lawsuit if the settlement is unsuccessful
Talk to Our Dedicated Prince George’s County Legal Team
If your insurance claim has been denied, we want to help you. At McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P., we understand how complicated recovering the compensation you deserve can be. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. If there’s a way to get the compensation you deserve, we’ll help you find it.
