A denied insurance claim does not have to be the end of the road. If the at-fault driver’s insurer rejects your claim after a Tennessee car accident, you have several options for fighting back. You can start by requesting a written explanation of the denial and filing an internal appeal directly with the insurance company. If that does not resolve the issue, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) or by pursuing legal action with the help of an experienced Nashville motor vehicle wreck attorney.
Learning about the steps available to you can make a real difference in how your case turns out, so continue reading for more information about how the appeal process works.
Why Do Insurance Companies Deny Car Accident Claims in Tennessee?
Insurance companies deny claims for a variety of reasons; not all of them are legitimate. Some of the most common justifications insurers give for turning down a claim include disputing who was at fault for the crash, arguing that your injuries were pre-existing rather than accident-related, claiming that you failed to seek medical treatment quickly enough, and alleging that the policy does not cover the type of loss you are claiming.
In some cases, the denial is based on a genuine coverage issue. However, in many others, it is a calculated move designed to discourage you from pursuing the full value of your claim. Insurers know that many people accept a denial without pushing back, which saves the company money. That is exactly why knowing your right to appeal is important.
What Steps Can I Take To Challenge a Denied Claim?
If your auto insurance claim has been denied, there is a clear path you can follow to contest the decision:
- Request the denial in writing so you know exactly why the claim was rejected and what policy provisions the insurer is relying on
- Gather additional evidence that addresses the stated reason for the denial, such as updated medical records or witness statements
- File a formal internal appeal with the insurance company, which gives them a chance to review the decision with fresh eyes
- If the internal appeal is unsuccessful, submit a complaint to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate whether the denial was made in bad faith and advise you on your legal options
Each of these steps builds pressure on the insurer to reconsider its position. The sooner you begin the process, the stronger your appeal will be.
Woodard Injury Law Can Fight a Denied Claim on Your Behalf
A claim denial is frustrating, but it is not necessarily the final word on your car accident case. Woodard Injury Law can look into the facts of your case and hold the insurance companies liable if they refused to act in good faith.
Schedule a free consultation with us today by calling (615) 640-3648 or reaching out online. We’ve won millions of dollars for our deserving clients since our founding and have nearly two full decades of experience handling personal injury claims in Tennessee.