Why Auto Insurance Claims May Be Denied After A Car Accident

You may think there is no good reason for your car crash, truck accident or motorcycle insurance claim to be denied. You would do the right thing and you expect that your insurance company would too. However, insurance companies routinely deny claims that most would think would be approved without issue.

Insurance companies are looking for ways to make and save money. A common strategy to make money for their shareholders is by denying or devaluing claims.

Below, learn more about common reasons given for denying claims and how you may be able to protect your claim. The experienced team of skilled trial lawyers at Pignatelli & Associates, PC can review your claim at no cost to determine if you may be eligible for compensation.

Our trial lawyers have recovered over $90 million dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. If your claim was denied or you have received an offer below the value of the claim, our attorneys may be able to help you get full and fair compensation for your injury.

There are legitimate reasons for a claim to be denied. However, in your case, the insurance company's reasoning may not be valid. That is why it is so important to talk to a skilled trial lawyer who can help determine the value of your case to be sure you are fully and fairly compensated in negotiating a settlement or securing a verdict for you at trial.

You Have a Preexisting Injury

You can receive full and fair compensation if you have a preexisting injury. Compensation would be for aggravation of the existing injury or new injuries caused by the car accident. However, you and your attorney must prove aggravation of the existing injury or the existence of new injuries. That is why it is important to go over this issue with your attorney as soon as possible. Skilled trial lawyers can help you collect the medical documentation you will need for your claim.

The Car Crash Was Your Fault

Under Illinois law, you are eligible for compensation as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible for causing the accident. If you are less than 51 percent at fault, your compensation award will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

It is important not to admit fault to the insurance company, even if you have good reason to think you are at fault. The insurance company will make its own determination regardless what you say. You do not want to give them statements they can use against you. Your attorney can determine if you may bear fault for the accident and how much. We do not want you to be assigned more fault than you deserve.

Your Car Crash or Truck Accident Injuries are not as Severe as Your Claim

Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters because they will try to use your words against your claim. If you tell them that you are feeling "okay", they may say your injuries are not that severe. Our team of experienced trial lawyers handle all communication with the insurance company for our clients, to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation for the value of their truck, car or motorcycle insurance claim.

You Filed Your Car Accident Insurance Claim Too Late

Under Illinois law, people who are injured in a car accident or truck accident must file their claims within two years from the date of the truck accident, car crash, or motorcycle accident. This applies to drivers, passengers, bikers and pedestrians. However, there may be certain situations where this period could be sooner or later, depending on the details. If you are unsure whether the deadline has passed for your claim, contact our skilled team of trial lawyers for more a free consultation.