No matter how much car insurance companies talk about being good neighbors or how they’re on your side, they don’t care about you. Their goal is to protect their profits by paying as little as possible for car accident claims. It’s sadly common for Michigan car insurance companies to deny your claim, but acting quickly and taking the proper steps gives you a stronger chance of recovering the money you need.
Steps To Take After an Insurer Denies Your Michigan Car Accident Claim
Follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights after a car accident:
Review the Denial Letter
Insurance companies must explain why they denied your claim. Their reason often relates to missed deadlines, lack of documentation, or questions about fault. Once you know why the insurer denies your claim, you can figure out your next steps. Reviewing the denial letter also prevents mistakes, such as resubmitting the same information without addressing the issue the insurer raised.
Contact an Attorney
If you disagree with the insurance company’s reasons for the denial, you should consider bringing your concerns to an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you with the proceeding steps and more effectively assert your position than you could on your own. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations, so there’s no financial risk to getting a professional opinion from someone who understands the system and how to navigate it on your behalf.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect medical records, police reports, witness statements, repair estimates, and other evidence that supports your claim. Strong evidence helps you challenge the insurer’s position and shows the full extent of your injuries and losses. If the denial letter mentions missing or unclear documentation, providing organized, detailed records can address those concerns and strengthen your appeal.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit
If the insurer continues to deny a valid claim, you may need to file a lawsuit. Michigan law allows you to pursue compensation when an insurance company refuses to pay fairly. Litigation gives you a chance to hold the insurer accountable in court and recover the compensation they should have paid based on your costs from the collision.
Common Reasons for Car Insurance Claim Denials
Some of the most common reasons that car insurance companies deny seemingly valid claims include:
- Missed filing deadlines, such as not reporting the accident or submitting paperwork within the time required by your policy.
- Disputes over fault when the insurer believes you caused or contributed to the crash.
- Gaps or inconsistencies in your medical records, which may lead the insurer to question the link between the accident and your injuries.
- Policy exclusions that limit coverage for specific situations, such as driving without permission or using the vehicle for business purposes.
- Insufficient documentation to prove the full extent of your injuries or property damage.
A Michigan car accident attorney can help you address any of these issues so you can recover fair compensation after a collision.
Contact Our Rochester, MI, Car Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Claim
Our Rochester car accident lawyers know how frustrating it can be to deal with insurance companies and wade through their arcane procedures. At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, we treat every client like a member of our family and give you the respect and comprehensive support you deserve. With over 85 years of combined experience and millions recovered for our clients, we know how to deal with pushy insurance companies and get them to pay you fairly for your car accident losses. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
