What If My Truck Accident Claim Was Denied By Direct Auto Insurance?
If Direct Auto Insurance denies your claim, consult the claims denial letter to learn why your claim wasn’t approved. If you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal.
Being in a truck accident is traumatic enough. But when an insurance company denies your claim, you may worry about paying for repair bills and other losses. A denial does not have to be the final decision. A truck accident lawyer can determine the reason for your claim’s denial and fight for what you need.
Reasons Why Direct Auto Insurance May Deny Your Truck Accident Claim
If another party is liable for your auto accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should compensate you. Yet, securing compensation isn’t always straightforward. Direct Auto Insurance may deny your claim if:
The Other Party Hasn’t Paid Their Premiums
Insurance companies can cancel a policy when the policyholder misses even one payment. Direct Auto Insurance offers its policyholders an 11-day grace period to make a past-due payment. After this, the policy will be canceled.
Liability And Fault Are Not Clear
Sometimes, a claim denial may arise from the circumstances surrounding the accident. Direct Auto Insurance may refuse to offer compensation if it doesn’t have enough evidence proving that your injuries resulted from the truck accident. It may deny your claim stating that your injuries preceded the collision or were otherwise unrelated.
When you submit a claim, either to your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer, you must provide sufficient evidence that the collision caused your condition. Evidence could include photos of the accident scene, statements from witnesses, and the police report.
You Failed To Report The Truck Accident On Time
If you wait to report a crash, the insurance company may cast doubt on your claim’s validity. Direct Auto Insurance does not provide a specific timeframe to submit claims. Yet, it notes that you should report your claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more reason the insurer has to discredit your case.
The Insurance Company Doubts the Extent of Your Injuries
If Direct Auto Insurance believes that you are exaggerating your condition, it may deny paying for your medical care. Therefore, it is critical that you get yourself examined by a healthcare provider immediately following a truck accident. This way, you will have a written record of your condition and connect it to the collision.
Your Truck Accident Claim Was Denied In Bad Faith
If a policyholder has purchased necessary coverage and is making timely payments, the insurance company should pay for all covered losses. But sometimes, insurance companies don’t follow the rules––especially if they sense they can deny payment.
If you suspect that your claim was denied due to bad faith insurance practices, a truck accident attorney can dispute the decision and hold the company accountable.
What Should You Do If A Truck Accident Claim Gets Denied?
If your claim gets denied, ask your insurance provider for a claim denial letter if it hasn’t already sent one. This letter should outline the reasons why your claim was denied. This document will serve as evidence if it’s determined that Direct Auto Insurance acted in bad faith.
Some other considerations include:
- Getting legal help. A truck accident lawyer can learn the reason for your claim’s denial and challenge it. They may consult witnesses, negotiate with the claims adjuster, or investigate your crash to recover damages. Experienced lawyers also know which insurance companies act in good faith and which ones don’t.
- Checking your own insurance policy. The other party may have sufficient coverage. Yet, your own insurance policy may offer underinsured/uninsured motorist protection coverage. This could give you another option for seeking damages following your accident.
- Refraining from giving a recorded statement. The claims adjuster may say giving a recorded statement bolsters your claim. It doesn’t. Instead, it gives the insurer reason to use your words against you. Only give the insurer the basic information it needs to process your claim.
- Limiting what you share publicly online. Even if the insurer denies your claim, it may still keep an eye on what you post online. That way, if you make an appeal, it’ll have evidence to continue denying your claim. Anything you share online, no matter how innocuous, can hurt your chances of recovering damages.
You don’t have to navigate the post-accident aftermath alone. You can partner with a lawyer who can pursue your best interests. If all else fails, they can forgo the claims process and file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault party.
Begin Your Free Case Review With Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Our Louisiana truck accident lawyers have years of experience advocating for injured people. If Direct Auto Insurance denied your claim, you can appeal the decision with our team’s help. We will manage all insurance-related communications, gather supporting evidence, and identify your compensable losses.
We also work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until your case ends. Even then, part of your claim pays for our services. To begin your free case review, call us today.
