If your motorcycle accident claim was denied by Direct Auto Insurance, you have options for filing an appeal or suing for a worthwhile settlement that better reflects your damages.
Whether you have Direct Auto Insurance or the at-fault driver in your accident has a policy through the insurer, you can follow the company’s claims process to recover money that can help pay your medical expenses, replace lost income, and compensate you for your pain and suffering.
Why Did Direct Auto Insurance Deny My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Insurance companies like Direct Auto Insurance may find any reason to deny a motorcycle accident claim. That’s because these accidents tend to cause more damage, which costs more money. Insurance companies don’t like to pay out settlements and may seek reasons to deny a claim, such as the following:
- Failure to report an accident on time: Most insurance companies require you to report an accident within a few days after it occurs. That goes for your insurer and the other motorist’s insurer. If you take too long to report the accident or file a claim per the insurance company’s terms, your claim may be denied.
- Failure to seek prompt medical attention: Seeking medical attention soon after a motorcycle accident ensures you have the best possible chance of recovery. But it also links your injuries to the motorcycle accident. Not going to the doctor after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries means Direct Auto Insurance may try to say another incident or a pre-existing condition caused your injuries.
- Biases against motorcycle riders: Some motorists and insurance companies view motorcycle drivers unfavorably, assuming that they like to speed or use hazardous lane-splitting maneuvers. Not all motorcycle riders live up to negative stereotypes, but that doesn’t stop motorists and insurers from using these stereotypes to blame motorcyclists who did not cause an accident.
- Not enough evidence in your favor: If the other motorist tries to blame the accident on you and they have clearer evidence that points to that conclusion, your claim may be denied. In addition, insurance companies like Direct Auto Insurance may not fully investigate the claim before making its decision (often based on biases against motorcyclists. This could mean they missed key evidence that proves the other driver’s fault.
- Unfair denial: Sometimes, insurance companies outright deny motorcycle accident claims just because they don’t want to pay the high costs of these dangerous accidents. They may not have an excuse for denying your claim, which is why appealing the decision and getting an explanation is key.
- Lapsed insurance policy: To maintain auto insurance, you have to pay the monthly premiums. If you or the other motorist fails to pay the monthly premiums for Direct Auto Insurance, it can cancel the policy. When a policy has lapsed at the time of an accident, there’s no valid coverage through which to file a claim.
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ClientThe Direct Auto Insurance Claims Process
If you have filed a claim with Direct Auto Insurance after a motorcycle accident, you can take these steps to appeal that claim and further seek the compensation you deserve.
- Find out why your claim was denied. In many cases, insurance companies like Direct Auto Insurance may not tell you why they denied your claim. Still, you have a right to know. You can call the insurance company or write a formal letter demanding to find out the reason.
- Gather evidence to show liability and prove why the insurer should cover the damage. When you have the insurer’s reason for the denial, you should collect evidence that disputes it. Gather the police report, video footage of the accident, witness testimony, and more to prove the other party’s liability. You should also provide photos of the damage to your bike and riding equipment.
- Write a formal appeal letter. Include your evidence with a written appeal letter that states why you believe your claim is valid. It also should explain your version of events that led to the accident and prove that you should be covered.
- Negotiate a settlement. In some cases, writing an appeals letter will automatically start the appeals process that could end with the insurance company offering you a settlement. You can either take the settlement or negotiate for a better one.
- File a lawsuit. If negotiations fail to provide you with a worthwhile settlement, you can file a lawsuit to recover the compensation you deserve. You can also file a lawsuit if the insurance company further denies your claim, but you have evidence that entitles you to compensation.
- Hire an injury lawyer. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file your claim, investigate a denial, collect essential evidence, appeal the decision, and handle all negotiations and legal hearings.
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Rick Smith | ClientLaborde Earles Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers knows how insurance companies work to deny motorcycle accident claims for unfounded reasons. If Direct Auto Insurance denies your motorcycle accident claim, we can help you navigate the appeals process and seek to recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case review.
