Insurance companies don’t just hand over money without a fight. In fact, they have entire teams whose job is to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
And in Denver, this can be even more complicated because of the legal nuances surrounding liability, medical documentation, and insurance policies. You can only boost your chances by working with a personal injury lawyer in Denver, CO, who has a track record of getting victims their due compensation from these insurance companies.
If you’ve ever wondered why the insurance people deny personal injury claims, here are their most common reasons:
Missing Deadlines
One of the most common reasons for a denied claim is missing deadlines. Insurance companies have strict time limits for submitting claims, medical records, and other required documents.
In Colorado, you generally have three years to file a car accident personal injury lawsuit, but that doesn’t mean the insurance company will wait that long. Many insurers have their own internal deadlines, which can be much shorter.
If you miss even one deadline, they might use it as an excuse to deny your claim. Sometimes, they’ll allow late submissions, but only if you can provide a valid reason. Again, the best way to avoid this is to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can keep track of all deadlines and make sure everything is filed on time.
Liability Disputes
Just because you know the other driver was at fault doesn’t mean their insurance company will agree. After an accident, insurers conduct their own investigations. They might use police reports, witness statements, or even surveillance footage to try and shift blame away from their policyholder.
In Denver, where modified comparative negligence laws apply, this can be tricky. If they can argue that you were even partially at fault, they’ll try to reduce your compensation, or deny your claim entirely.
Lack of Medical Care
Insurance companies love to deny claims by arguing that an injury isn’t real or isn’t severe enough. One of the easiest ways they do this is by pointing to a lack of medical documentation. If you don’t see a doctor immediately after your accident, they might claim that your injuries weren’t serious or that they were caused by something else.
Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Keeping a record of doctor visits, treatments, and prescribed medications can help protect your claim.
Pre-Existing Injuries
Another common tactic is for insurance companies to argue that your injuries existed before the accident. If they can get access to your full medical history, they’ll dig through it to find anything they can use to deny your claim.
For example, let’s say you injured your back in a skiing accident a few years ago; if you get into a car accident and suffer a back injury, the insurance company might argue that your pain is from the old injury, not the crash.
This is why it’s a bad idea to sign a broad medical release form. Instead, only provide records directly related to the accident.
When Your Policy Doesn’t Cover What You Need
Sometimes, claim denials aren’t about disputes or missed deadlines; they’re about coverage. If your insurance policy doesn’t include the type of coverage you need, your claim might be denied.
For example, if you’re involved in a hit-and-run in Denver but don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance won’t pay for your damages.
Also, if the other driver’s policy has low limits, you might not get enough to cover your losses. This is why it’s important to review your policy and make sure you have adequate coverage before an accident happens.
Conclusion
Filing a personal injury claim in Denver isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies use every tool at their disposal to reduce payouts or deny claims altogether.
If you want to improve your chances of getting fair compensation, work with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate the claims process, gather the right evidence, and fight back against unfair denials.
