What Happens When You Get Into an Accident and Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim or Offers You a Lower Settlement?
Insurance companies will find any excuse to deny your claim or offer you a settlement that is lower than what you requested. Insurance companies are quick to point out faults that you have made to give them a reason to deny your claim. The top 10 excuses are listed below all point to one thing: you were negligent.
1. You weren't wearing your seatbelt.
If you were wearing a seatbelt, you may not have even been injured, or at least that is how they see it. Also, you violated California law by not wearing a seatbelt.
2. Your car had defective equipment.
If your car was not in proper working order, either you or your auto manufacturer may be to blame-not them.
3. You were going too fast.
Were you speeding? That is against California law, too. If you weren't speeding, you may not have gotten into an accident.
4. You stopped suddenly.
If your carelessness and negligent driving may have caused the accident, then you are out of luck.
5. You didn't stop quickly enough.
If the insurance company can prove that you were partly to blame, then they have reason to deny your claim.
6. There wasn't much damage to your car.
"How could you have been hurt where there was only a small scratch on the bumper?" This is a common reason carriers give for why their offer is low.
7. There wasn't much damage to their insured's car.
You know that it doesn't matter what the damage was. From a medical standpoint, doctors treat the person's injuries. Typically, they will tell you that the impact from the collision must go somewhere, oftentimes on the person.
8. You didn't see our guy run the red light, so it's your fault you got hit.
As a responsible and careful driver, you should be able to anticipate every move on the road, right? That is another reason the insurance companies will knock you on.
9. You exaggerated their insured's speed or conduct, so you are not credible.
Your credibility is the basis of your claim. If they find out you are lying or exaggerating the situation, you are not eligible for compensation.
10. Your injuries aren't serious.
For insurance companies to verify that you are injured, they want to see the paperwork. They want to see your injuries be proven on diagnostic tests like x-rays, MRIs, and CTScans.
A lot of the excuses the insurance companies give are unreasonable. For example, just because your injuries cannot be shown on a test, it does not mean that you are not in pain or suffering. Insurance companies have access to a lot of information and resources and will put up a good fight to save their bank accounts.
Contact a California Injury Lawyer
If you are injured or killed in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or any other injury in California caused by the negligence of another party, fighting the insurance company for money is the last thing you or your family wants to do. The San Diego personal injury lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group will get you the protection and compensation you need from your insurance carrier. Call our law office at 888-233-5020 to set up a free consultation.
The San Diego car accident lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group provide important strategies and news affecting San Diego auto accident injury victims. Follow our Facebook updates for more information. For free information and for help with your car accident claim, contact our San Diego personal injury law office at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation.
