Navigating the world of personal injury claims can be a tumultuous journey, fraught with complexities and unexpected roadblocks. One major hurdle personal injury claimants often face is having their claim denied by insurance companies. As heartbreaking as it sounds, it’s a common reality many individuals grapple with, often leaving them in a state of confusion and desperation. In this blog post, we’ll reveal the top excuses used by insurance companies in an attempt to deny or lower the value of personal injury claims. We hope to provide insight and guidance that can help you avoid insurance claim pitfalls.

So, whether you’re just starting your claim, or you’ve already enlisted the help of a personal injury lawyer, having this knowledge at your disposal is invaluable. Strap in as we unravel the often opaque world of insurance claims.

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Why Do Injury Claims Get Denied By Insurance Companies?

Reason 1: Failure to Seek Prompt Medical Treatment

One of the most common reasons insurance companies deny personal injury claims is if there’s a gap between the date of the accident and when medical attention was sought. Insurance adjusters are trained to scrutinize every detail in an attempt to discredit your claim. If you wait too long before seeing a doctor, they’ll use this as an excuse to argue that your injuries weren’t a direct result of the accident. To avoid this, make sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t feel any immediate significant pain or discomfort. Tell your doctors each and every body part that hurts and describer the type of pain to them.

Reason 2: Discrepancies in Medical Records

Another tactic used by insurance companies is to compare your medical records from your different providers. If there are any what appear to be discrepancies, they’ll use this to question the legitimacy of your claim. It’s important to be consistent when describing your injuries and symptoms to medical professionals, and to seek treatment from a reputable doctor or specialist. It should be noted there are always “discrepancies” is treatment records as not all doctors and nurses use the exact same language when documenting a medical encounter and sometimes the medical providers simply make mistakes, especially when they are filling out a medical record hours after they saw the patient or for any other of several reasons.

Reason 3: Pre-Existing Injuries

Insurance companies often try to argue that your injuries were preexisting and not caused by the accident. They will request access to your medical history, looking for any previous injuries or conditions that could be used against you. It’s important to disclose any preexisting injuries or conditions to your doctor and personal injury attorney, as they can help document a case that proves your current injuries were exacerbated by the accident, even if you did have any pre-existing condition.

Reason 4: Lack of Evidence

Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims due to a lack of evidence. This is why it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible after an accident, including witness statements, photos, and police reports. Without solid evidence, insurance companies can argue that the accident didn’t occur or that your injuries were not as severe as you claim.

Reason 5: Failure to Follow Doctor’s Orders

If you fail to follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan, insurance companies may use this as a reason to deny your claim. They may argue that your injuries were not as serious as you claim or that you didn’t take proper steps to recover. It’s important to follow all medical advice and document any missed appointments or treatments.

Reason 6: Lack of Legal Representation

Insurance companies know that individuals without legal representation are more likely to accept a lower settlement or give up on their claim altogether. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side greatly increases your chances of success and helps to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Reason 7: Statute of Limitations

Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is the time limit within which a claim must be filed. If you miss this deadline, insurance companies can use it as a reason to deny your claim. It’s important to file your claim as soon as possible after an accident and be aware of the statute of limitations in your state.

Conclusion

While dealing with insurance companies may seem like an uphill battle, understanding their tactics and having a knowledgeable personal injury litigator on your side can make all the difference. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can increase your chances of a successful claim and receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Don’t let insurance companies deny you justice – arm yourself with knowledge and seek professional legal assistance to help navigate this complex process.

Would you like to speak with a seasoned civil litigator who knows how to deal with stubborn insurance companies? Contact the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to set up a free case evaluation with an experienced accident claim lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent personal injury claimants all across the state, including Indiana residents injured in other states. No need to travel – we gladly provide the option to hold meetings by phone, at your residence, online, or at the hospital if necessary.

After being hurt in an accident, you will be confronted with the invitation to speak with the other party’s insurance company. You may even want to talk with a defendant’s insurance adjuster because you would probably be feeling like you are helping. Speaking to an insurance adjuster prior to speaking with an attorney is not wise.

Continue reading to learn why, and what you should do to fully protect your rights to a full and fair settlement.

Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Insurance Adjuster Tactics are Not in Your Favor

Insurance companies train their adjusters to use very specific tactics to get information out of claimants that can jeopardize their rights to being compensated. You see, the opposing party’s insurance company has one primary objective, which is to pay out as little as possible, preferably nothing at all, for your accident claim. They will record whatever you say, and then dissect it until they can piece together your words out of context to try to limit your claim. A defendant’s insurance adjuster does not owe any duty to an injured claimant and they are not trying to help you with your claim.

For these reasons and more, personal injury claimants should never, under any circumstances, speak with the other party’s insurance company until they have spoken to their own lawyer. Even then, it is very unlikely that a personal injury lawyer will let their client talk to the other party’s insurance adjuster, or at least alone and without legal advice.

What to Do After an Accident

After an accident, your priority should be to seek medical treatment by a licensed doctor. Be sure to keep any and all documents as evidence of your medical treatment. Follow all doctors’ orders and appear for all follow-up appointments if at all possible.

Once you are stable, or if an immediate family member can help, contact an Indiana personal injury law firm to retain professional representation for your accident claim right away. Reputable firms offer free case evaluations and work on contingency, which means you do not have to pay any lawyer fees upfront.

Not only is it important to follow the advice of your doctors and medical professionals, but it is also vital to take the advice of your personal injury lawyer very seriously. You do not want to make any these common mistakes with your personal injury claim. Moreover, as defendants’ insurance carriers have attorneys on staff, it is important for you to obtain your own attorney who will look out for your interests and only your interests as well.

How to Get on the Right Path Toward a Successful Personal Injury Settlement in Indiana

Call the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indiana. We are seasoned personal injury attorneys who want nothing more than to recover the full and fair compensation for accident victims across Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 and get started as soon as today.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

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Top Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Personal Injury Claims