You’re going about your life when suddenly, a crash happens. You find solace in the belief that the negligence driver felt bad, admitted fault at the crash site, and said her insurance would cover it. But when the time comes, her insurance company denies your claim – finding you wholly or in part at fault for the crash. You call your own insurance company, but you’re told that you did not elect medical payment coverage and there is nothing else that they can do but maybe cover some of the damage to your car after a high deductible is taken from the value, and that’s if you’re lucky.
What now? You don’t have the money to pay doctors for the medical care you need. Bills are piling up, you’re hurting and you’re frustrated. You’re getting call after call from various adjusters telling you information that may not advise you of the best course of action to take to protect yourself. You need help, and you need it as soon as possible. Here are a few tips to assist you:
Tip #1: Stop Talking To The Insurance Company Immediately
First, stop communicating with the insurance companies – they have already made a determination on your case. And any more information you give to them to “prove your case” and the negligent party’s fault will only be used against you at the insurance company’s convenience.
- Do not agree to give a recorded statement.
- Do not agree to sign any HIPAA release giving the insurance company unfettered access to your medical records.
- Do not give the insurance company your social security number. They are not entitled to it.
Tip #2: Gather the Right Information
Collect all evidence you gathered at the scene of the crash. This should include witnesses’ contact information, photographs of the scene of the crash, and the damage to the vehicles and the insurance and contact information of the negligent driver.
Collect the claim numbers and contact information for all insurance adjusters you talked to concerning your claim, and all written communications you received from the insurance company including the denial letter.
Write down your recollection of everything that happened starting from just before, during, and after the crash. Include notes on what you saw, what you heard, what you felt, what you did, and what others did. Carefully and thoroughly describe anything that the negligent driver said or did. This information can prove to be vital to the success of your claim later.
Tip #3: Call an Attorney
Immediately call an experienced personal injury attorney.
How will an attorney help? With their experience of the law and the insurance industry, an experienced attorney will evaluate your case status, provide you with options, and determine the best way to take on the insurance industry to get you the just compensation you are entitled by law. When your claim is wrongfully denied, an experienced personal injury attorney’s advocacy is precisely what you want and need right now.
If you feel wronged by the insurance company, or your claim is wrongly denied, reach out to Lehr Law today by calling (858) 240-9993 or schedule a consultation online. Our consultation is free and will help provide you the information you need.