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How to Appeal Denied Car Insurance Claims in Florida

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Posted on August 16, 2023

Appealing Denied Auto Insurance Claims after a Car Accident in Florida

When insurance companies deny coverage after a car accident, it adds further stress to an already difficult situation. Especially if the crash resulted in a catastrophic injury with mounting medical bills. If your car insurance claim has been denied after an accident, you have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

If your insurance claim was unfairly denied, consider meeting with a Tampa car accident attorney. Our team offers free consultations and we can give you advice on how to file your appeal and negotiate with insurance companies. We’ll also determine if the insurance carrier has acted in bad faith by denying your valid claim. If so, you may be able to sue for additional financial compensation.

Here are the steps you should take if you receive an insurance claim denial letter after a car crash.

Review the Insurance Claim Denial Letter and Your Insurance Policy

If an insurance company denies your claim, you should receive an insurance coverage denial letter. The insurance company is required to provide the reasons your claim was denied. Take the time to review your insurance policy and the denial letter.

Insurance policies can be dense and hard to read. Pay attention to your insurance coverage limits, exclusions, and any requirements for reporting accidents promptly. Make note of the reasons your claim was denied that were mentioned in the coverage denial letter. Then check your policy for any discrepancies or contradictions. The denial letter should outline the reasons the insurance company denied the claim, which you’ll need to know to submit your appeal.

If you’re unsure about the language or need assistance interpreting the policy, our team of skilled attorneys at Vanguard can review the documents with you and help you understand your rights and options.

Seek Experienced Bad-Faith Insurance Attorneys

Dealing with insurance companies, especially after a car accident, can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries or push you into accepting inadequate settlements. Having experienced legal representation can significantly level the playing field.

At Vanguard Attorneys, our lawyers have handled hundreds of accident cases in Florida and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Call (813) 471-4444 to speak to an attorney so you can be confident that your rights are protected and that you’re taking the right actions to get maximum compensation for your injuries.

Gather Vital Evidence

To contest the denial effectively, you must gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This evidence will help establish liability and the extent of your injuries. If possible, visit the accident scene and document it with photographs, capturing the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.

Collect contact information and statements from witnesses who saw the accident occur. Witness testimonies can be instrumental in corroborating your version of events and proving liability. Moreover, maintain all medical records related to your injuries and treatment, including hospital visits, prescriptions, and rehabilitation documentation.

Our legal team at Vanguard Attorneys can guide you on what specific evidence to gather and how to present it effectively to maximize your chances of a successful claim.

File a Complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS)

If you believe your insurance company’s denial is unjust, you have the option to file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). The DFS is responsible for investigating insurance company complaints and can help mediate disputes between policyholders and insurers.

We can assist you in preparing and submitting the complaint along with all the necessary documentation. Our experience in handling such complaints allows us to effectively present your case to the DFS and work towards a favorable resolution.

Consider Mediation or Arbitration

Many insurance policies include provisions for mediation or arbitration to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. Mediation involves a neutral third party who assists both parties in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. Arbitration, on the other hand, results in a binding decision from an arbitrator.

Engaging in mediation or arbitration can be more cost-effective and expedite the resolution process compared to going to court. Our attorneys at Vanguard Attorneys will assess whether mediation or arbitration is the right choice for your case and guide you through the process while representing your best interests.

If you were injured in a car accident, call (813) 471-4444 for a free consultation. Our attorneys will offer legal advice and determine whether you’re entitled to additional financial compensation from your insurance carrier or the driver who was at fault in the accident.

We’re committed to advocating for the best interests of our clients throughout the entire claims negotiation process. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how Vanguard Attorneys can help you seek justice and fair compensation after an accident in Florida.

Infographic about denied insurance coverage after a truck accident infographic created by tampa insurance attorneys and truck accident attorneys

References

Involved in a Crash? – Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Florida Insurance Requirements – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Best Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers & Law Firms – Florida | FindLaw