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Accidents happen when least expected. Dealing with severe injuries after an accident can be stressful. Not only is it physically challenging, but also financially burdensome. The last thing you want to deal with is filing a claim with the insurance company only to find out it has been denied. This is why hiring an experienced and trusted personal injury lawyer in Houston is recommended rather than pursuing the claim by yourself.
To begin with, dealing with an insurance company isn't easy. This is because these companies aim to lower their liability. Hence, they take every measure possible to lower the claimants' chances of getting a full claim. Sometimes, they may offer a low-ball settlement or deny it completely.
Once you are injured in a car or motorcycle accident and approached by the insurance agent, never pass any statements. Remember that whatever you say can be manipulated by the agent and used against you to lower or deny the claim. Therefore, you have to be very careful about your statements. So, it's best to politely ask them to talk to your attorney.
Under Texas law, insurers have the duty of good faith when processing insurance coverage claims. It means they can't refuse to compensate claims covered under the claimant's policy without a legitimate reason. However, insurers routinely try underpaying on claims or deny coverage- resorting to deceptive and unfair practices.
If you filed a claim directly without the assistance of a lawyer and it has been denied, don't give up. It is not the end of the road. By law, you have the right to appeal. Here are the steps to follow after your claim is denied:
Your insurance policy documents contain comprehensive information regarding your interactions with your insurer. Generally, an insurance plan represents a contractual agreement between you (the insured party) and the insurance company.
Within this policy, you will find detailed explanations of:
Additionally, it guides the process for appealing a claim denial with the specific insurance company. If you encounter any issues with your policy, you can contact the Texas Department of Insurance or your employer if your insurance is provided through your workplace.
After reviewing your policy, it is important to understand the reason for claim denial. You must review the letter sent by the insurer carefully. They could be asking for an explanation or additional information. It's also possible that the denial isn't an outright rejection but a request for additional documentation, like supporting documents and evidence of your injuries and vehicle damage.
Furthermore, sometimes it is worth considering that the denial has resulted from a miscommunication of certain details. For instance, the insurance company might mistakenly believe you missed a filing deadline when, in actual, you did not.
Therefore, knowing the root cause of the problem is important to resolve the issue independently. Hence, there may not be a need to appeal.
However, if the issue can't be resolved and you believe that the reason isn't legitimate, then you are entitled to compensation according to your policy. In such a situation, consider legal assistance.
A legal expert is fully equipped to safeguard your best interests and vigorously pursue the most favorable outcome with your insurance company. They are well-versed in scrutinizing the specifics of your claim denial and can guide you through the appeal process, thereby actively working towards achieving an equitable resolution.
To initiate your appeal, a lawyer will collect supporting documents. These include:
It may also include a request for reconsideration and a second-level appeal. As filing an appeal can be overwhelming, it is best to work with our experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston. At Calhoun Meredith, we provide comprehensive legal assistance.
We handle all aspects of the appeal process from start to finish, ensuring the process is completely stress-free and smooth. We aim to get you justice and secure the compensation you're entitled to. Schedule a consultation today.