Having your car insurance claim denied after a car accident in Aurora, Colorado can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already struggling with injuries, lost wages, or vehicle damage. It’s important not to give up or panic if your claim was rejected. Knowing the right steps to take after a denial gives you the best shot at getting the answers and coverage you deserve. Here’s what you need to do if you’re facing a denial:
Identify Why Your Claim Was Denied in Colorado
The first step after a denial is to carefully read your insurance company’s denial letter. This document should explain why your claim wasn’t approved. Common reasons for denial include:
- No Valid Policy for the At-Fault Driver: Sometimes the denial is because the person responsible didn’t have valid insurance in effect.
- Insufficient Documentation or Delayed Reporting: Claims can also be denied if you did not report the accident to the insurer within the time required by your policy, or if you failed to provide sufficient information, such as accident details, damage photos, repair estimates, or medical records.
- Hit-and-Run or Coverage Gaps: If the incident was a hit-and-run, your claim may be refused if you don’t carry uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage to account for this type of accident.
Be on the lookout for vague denials, sometimes called “blanket denials.” These types of denials could indicate that the insurance company didn’t properly investigate your claim. They often send out these denials in the hopes that the person seeking compensation will accept their answer and move on – which means the insurance company doesn’t have to pay anything.
Explore Your Options in an Aurora, Colorado Car Accident Case
Once you have a better idea of why the claim was denied, you can figure out your next steps. Some possible options include:
Request an Internal Review or Appeal
Most insurance companies have an appeal process. It’s important to follow their stated procedures and timelines. During an appeal, provide any new documents, accident photos, witness statements, and relevant legal arguments. You can ask your lawyer for help with paperwork and crafting a strong appeal letter to increase your chance of success. Pursue a
Bad-Faith Claim Against Your Own Insurer
If your insurance provider unreasonably or repeatedly denies your claim, you may have a bad-faith case against them. Start by filing a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance, which oversees how companies treat consumers. If you pursue legal action and win, Colorado courts can award not only your policy benefits but also damages for attorney fees and penalties.
Sue the At-Fault Driver
Even if you’re denied by insurance, this doesn’t mean you’re at fault or can never get compensated. You still have the right to take legal action directly against the at-fault driver, aiming to recover damages from their personal assets or other qualifying sources.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today For Help With Your Denied Claim
Car accident cases move on strict deadlines and require quick action, especially after a denial. Experienced car accident attorneys in Colorado know how to help – reviewing insurance policies, gathering missing evidence, addressing an appeal, initiating a bad-faith claim, and filing a civil lawsuit when needed.
If you’re unsure about your next steps, don’t delay – waiting typically makes the situation harder to correct. Getting professional legal help early levels the playing field. It’s the best way to try to get the compensation you truly deserve after someone else causes an accident and you are injured. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Colorado car accident lawyer (720) 812-1047.