There’s a reason why the state of Ohio requires drivers to have auto insurance. Car accidents are expensive, especially if someone has been physically injured. The person who is at fault needs to be held responsible. The cost of repairs, medical bills, property damage, and more can quickly escalate well beyond an amount of money that any average person can afford.
Insurance is designed to bridge this gap, covering the expenses of those involved and helping them resume their lives.
And yet, there are times when insurance doesn’t cover all of your needs. This is more common with injuries than it is with car damage. Personal injuries are not only more expensive, but more complicated. Many people who thought their injuries would be covered by insurance suddenly find their claim has been denied or undercut.
This is a serious issue, as it not only halts your recuperation, but it can plunge you into serious debt. That’s why it’s especially important to take the appropriate actions after you’ve been injured in an accident. The first thing you should always do is to have your immediate medical needs treated. From there, it’s best to speak with an attorney. Though it might seem excessive to contact an attorney, it’s in your best interest. Taking the wrong action after an injury can hurt your claim and leave you in debt.
Why Do Claims Get Denied?
There are a number of situations where a person may have trouble getting their medical needs paid for. The person at fault may deny responsibility. Even if they accept fault, they may not have insurance, or their insurance isn’t enough to cover the full extent of your needs. In these cases, your own insurance should step in and cover the gaps.
Still, there can be issues.
Sometimes, a claim might be outright denied by the insurance company. They may claim that the accident that caused the injury could/should have been avoided. If you’ve had preexisting conditions or injuries, they might place blame on those. If you wait too long to file a claim, they may use that as a reason to deny you.
They may also use your own words against you. You should be very cautious when speaking to an insurance provider after an accident. Even if it’s your own provider, remember that their insurance adjusters don’t work for you. They work for the company itself. It’s in their best interest to pay you as little as possible.
Because of this, they may try to convince you to take a quick settlement upfront before you even know what your medical costs are. This will generally result in you being paid less than you need.
Once again, this is why one of the best things you can do after an accident is to speak to an attorney. Even if you don’t ultimately use their services, they’ll be able to provide some general guidance, so you know what to do and what to look out for.
Car accident injuries can have serious, long-lasting effects. From medical bills to therapy to lost wages and more, it is the responsibility of the person at fault to cover these costs. Don’t let your claim get denied or underpaid.
For a trustworthy injury attorney in the Springfield, Ohio area, contact the offices of Michael T. Edwards today. Your initial consultation is free!
