Posted in News on June 6, 2024

An insurance claim denied in Montana after a car accident, slip and fall, or other injury can be a huge blow. You pay your premiums expecting coverage, and suddenly you’re left questioning where to turn. But don’t despair! There are steps you can take to challenge the insurance claim denial and get the compensation you deserve. 

Why Are Insurance Claims Denied in Montana (And How to Avoid It)

 

Understanding the most common reasons for insurance claim denials is your first line of defense:

1. Lack of Coverage

Not all accidents are created equal.  Your policy might have specific exclusions for certain situations. Let’s say your policy excludes injuries sustained during a speeding violation. If you were in an accident, but the insurer discovers you were speeding at the time, they might deny your claim based on this exclusion, even if the speeding didn’t cause the accident itself.  

Action Step: Before an accident, have a Montana personal injury lawyer review your Insurance policy. They can explain your coverage details and identify potential exclusions that could lead to a denied insurance claim.

2. Missed Deadlines

Missing deadlines is a surefire way to weaken your case or even lead to a complete insurance claim denial. Montana has specific time limits for filing personal injury claims, depending on the circumstances. Missing these deadlines can significantly jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.  

Action Step: After an accident, contacting a Montana personal injury lawyer immediately is crucial. They’ll ensure all deadlines are met and handle communication with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on healing.

3. Insufficient Evidence

When an insurance claim is denied, it’s often because the insurer feels there isn’t enough evidence to prove your injuries and their connection to the accident. This is why gathering strong evidence from the start is vital. Medical records documenting your injuries, police reports, photographs of the scene, and witness statements are all key evidence to support your claim.   

Action Step: A Montana personal injury lawyer can guide you through the evidence-gathering process, ensuring you have a comprehensive file to fight any potential insurance claim denial.

4. Policy Exclusions

Insurance companies love technicalities. Did an exclusion they’re citing seem unfair or out of context? Let’s say your policy excludes injuries from “competitive sports.” If you were injured while walking your dog on a leash and were struck by a car, the insurer might try to use this exclusion to deny your claim because walking could be considered a form of exercise.

Action Step: Montana personal injury lawyers know how to argue against these exclusions and advocate for fair compensati Don’t take their interpretation at face value – challenge an insurance claim denial if you believe it’s unfair.on.

Your Montana Action Plan After an Insurance Claim Denial

1. Review Your Policy

Look for inconsistencies between your coverage and the reason for the insurance claim denial. Get a written explanation from the insurer detailing the specific clause they’re relying on. Analyze it carefully with a lawyer – inconsistencies might exist that could help overturn the denial.

2. Demand a Detailed Explanation

Don’t settle for a vague “no.”  Request a written explanation outlining the exact reasons behind your insurance claim denial. This documented explanation is essential for building your appeal case.

3. Craft a Powerful Appeal

Every word matters. Refute the insurer’s denial point-by-point, backed up by solid evidence. Montana personal injury lawyers know how to structure winning appeals that use clear and persuasive language to highlight the strengths of your case and overcome the initial insurance claim denial.

When to Call in the Montana Legal Experts

  • Complex Cases: If your injuries are severe, involve multiple parties, or there are complicated legal issues like determining fault, don’t go it alone. Montana personal injury lawyers are experts in navigating complex cases and getting fair compensation for accident victims, even in situations where an insurance claim denial seems inevitable.  
  • Suspected Bad Faith: Insurance companies are required to act in good faith. If you suspect stalling tactics, unreasonable delays, or feel they’re misinterpreting your policy to deny your claim unfairly, get legal muscle on your side. A Montana personal injury lawyer can fight these tactics and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process, especially if you’re facing an insurance claim denial.
  • The Strength of Experience: Firms like Heenan & Cook have a long history of successfully helping Montanans overcome insurance claim denials. Our personal injury lawyers understand the local laws, how Montana insurance companies operate, and have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for their clients.

Contact Heenan & Cook To Get Dedicated Guidance and Representation for Your Insurance Claim Denied Case

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not always readily paying out claims. Remember, even an initial insurance claim denial in Montana doesn’t mean the fight is over. By understanding your policy, gathering strong evidence, appealing strategically, and getting legal help when needed, you can level the playing field.

When your insurance claim is denied, remember, you’re not alone. Seek out the knowledge and experience of a Montana personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and guide you through the fight to win the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Heenan & Cook for free case evaluation.