No one wants to think about the possibility of their auto accident claim being denied, but it’s essential to be aware of why this could happen. By knowing what could stand in your way, you can take steps to increase your chances of a successful outcome. Here are five potential reasons your claim could be denied.
The Accident Wasn’t Reported To The Police
After being involved in a car accident, you may be tempted to handle the insurance claim independently. However, this is often a mistake. Insurance companies are making money, and they will do whatever they can to minimize the amount they have to payout. One common way they do this is by denying claims that don’t have police reports. This is because police reports provide an accurate account of what happened, including who was at fault.
If you don’t have a police report, the insurance company may argue that you were at fault, even if you weren’t. That’s why it’s always best to contact experienced Tampa car accident attorneys after being involved in a crash. An attorney can help you navigate the insurance claim process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
You Weren’t Wearing A Seat Belt
Another common reason auto accident claims are denied is that the victim wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Florida law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, and failure to do so can result in a ticket.
However, even if you weren’t wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. There are exceptions to the rule, such as if you were pregnant or had a medical condition that prevented you from wearing a seat belt. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine if you fall under one of these exceptions.
You Were Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs
Driving under alcohol or drugs is a severe crime in Florida. If you are involved in an accident while intoxicated, you can be charged with DUI, even if no one was injured.
If you are convicted of DUI, your auto insurance rates will go up, and you may have difficulty finding coverage in the future. Additionally, your claim for compensation from the other driver’s insurance company is likely to be denied. This is because insurers typically don’t pay out claims when the policyholder drives under the influence.
You Were Speeding
Speeding is another major contributing factor to car accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in 27% of fatal crashes in 2017.
If you were speeding in the accident, the other driver’s insurance company might try to deny your claim. They may argue that you were partially or fully at fault for the accident because you were breaking the law.
The Other Driver Was At Fault
In some cases, even if the other driver was clearly at fault for the accident, their insurance company may still deny your claim. This is usually only done in cases where there is a lot of money at stake.
For example, if you suffered severe injuries that will require long-term care or have resulted in a permanent disability, the insurance company may try to deny your claim. They may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t try to handle the insurance claim on your own. The best way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve is to contact an experienced Tampa car accident attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the insurance claim process and will fight for your rights if your claim is denied.
