When an accident leaves you hurt, you’ll likely contact your insurance provider to see if they can cover some of the associated costs. You don’t expect them to deny your claim, yet many people find themselves in this scenario. Discover tips from a personal injury lawyer in New York for appealing such a decision in an attempt to seek compensation.
Insurance Claim Denials Are More Common Than You Might Think
It’s frustrating when you file a claim with your insurer, and they respond by denying you coverage. However, you’re not the first person to wind up in this situation, and you won’t be the last. According to a survey from Martindale-Nolo Research, 47% of injured employees were initially denied a workers’ compensation claim before ultimately receiving some type of settlement.
It’s worth consulting a New York personal injury lawyer if you’re hurt in a car accident and the insurer denies your claim. According to Insurance Business magazine, New York drivers pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country. The publication reports that the average resident allocates 4.83% of their annual income to their insurance premium.
Paying this much for coverage only to have your claim denied is irritating, but you can always appeal the decision.
Review Your Denial Letter To See Why the Insurer Isn’t Approving Your Claim
You don’t have to wonder why you’re being denied your claim. Insurance companies will send denial letters to claimants outlining the exact reason they’re not approved, such as:
- Insufficient evidence
- Missing or incomplete paperwork
- Coverage exclusions
- Liability disputes
Carefully review the letter and take the necessary steps to correct the issue. If your initial claim had incomplete documentation, you can gather the requested paperwork for secondary review. If the provider names another reason, contact a personal injury lawyer in New York for assistance.
A trusted NY accident attorney can review the nature of your accident and build a strong case in your favor.
Collect Ample Evidence Supporting Your Claim
Personal injury law firms rely on evidence to back up their clients’ cases. If you’ve been denied your insurance claim, collect as much evidence as you can to strengthen your case and persuade the insurance company to reverse its decision.
For example, if your auto insurer denied your claim after an accident, the following pieces of evidence may prove useful:
- Police reports
- Dashcam footage (assuming you didn’t submit it with the original claim)
- Medical bills to treat related injuries
- Vehicle damage repair estimates
- Witness statements
You’ll need to present new pieces of evidence in hopes of having the insurer approve your appeal.
Write a Formal Appeal Letter to Your Insurer
Once you review the denial letter and gather strong, supporting evidence, you can write an appeal letter. This document should state that you believe the claim should be approved and present new evidence in your favor. An NYC injury compensation lawyer can help you pursue a payout.
Many insurance providers set deadlines for appeals, so make sure you request yours promptly.
Take Legal Action With a New York Personal Injury Lawyer
Are you worried that your insurance company will deny your claim yet again? It may be time to partner with a New York damage claim lawyer and file a lawsuit. Attorneys who practice in this area understand the tactics that insurers use to avoid paying their fair share.
By working with a personal injury lawyer in New York, you stand a good chance of recovering damages without going to court. In fact, the Law Dictionary reports that 95% of cases end with a pre-trial settlement.
You could go through the standard appeal process and potentially be denied again, or you could consult a bodily harm attorney in New York. Filing a lawsuit may help you recover more than initially thought, as lawyers advocate for victims to receive compensation for:
- Accident-related medical bills
- Property damage costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If you plan on taking legal action, make sure you act quickly. New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of your accident. Seek a personal injury lawyer in NYC with a proven track record of recovering damages for victims.
Contact Ross & Hill When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer NYC Locals Trust
Whether you need help understanding the types of premises liability lawsuits available or want to appeal your denied claim, our legal team is here for you. Choose Ross & Hill when you need an injury claim lawyer NYC locals depend on in the aftermath of construction accidents, motor vehicle collisions, dog bites, and more.
We have over 40 years of industry experience and have recovered more than $100 million for our clients. To speak with a reputable personal injury lawyer in New York, contact our firm online or call (646) 351-6222.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have unanswered questions? Don’t worry. Receive answers to common inquiries below.
How Do Personal Injury Law Firms Gather Evidence?
Law firms collect evidence through various channels. They investigate police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and more.
Is It Better To Appeal a Denied Claim or File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
It’s better to file a lawsuit with an injury claim lawyer in NYC, as 95% of cases end with an out-of-court settlement. Many attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t charge legal fees unless they recover damages.
What Type of Payout Can I Expect for a Successful Injury Claim?
Your injury claim payout depends on the nature of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Incidents involving serious injuries that keep victims out of work usually pay more than minor accident claims.
How Can I Find a Reliable Personal Injury Lawyer in New York?
To find a trustworthy personal injury lawyer in New York, look for an attorney with years of experience and a proven track record of success. You can seek recommendations from loved ones or explore online reviews to find one.