Car accidents can be stressful to deal with. When an insurance company rejects your claim, it can give the accident victims and their families a lot of unneeded stress when they should be focused on recovery.

In the event of a NJ car accident, you expect your insurance company to pay for your losses since you pay your premiums on a regular basis. Therefore, when the insurance company denies your claim, it can be frustrating. What do you do when this happens? We will address his topic below.

You have options and an experienced car accident lawyer in New Jersey can help you discover the steps you need to take to recover what you are entitled to. This is why it's important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is one of the most successful injury attorneys in New Jersey. He's helped thousands of clients recover fair compensation, even when insurance companies attempt to reject or devalue your claim.

Common Reasons Why An Insurance Company in NJ Will Reject Your Claim

Understanding the reasons behind an insurance company rejecting your car accident claim can be useful. One of the main reasons why an insurance company may refuse to pay out a claim is a disagreement over fault. Many insurance companies will require the party to prove fault.

Sometimes insurers may accept your claim and then draw out the payment process. Trying to track down your claims payments for repairs and medical bills can be frustrating.

Luckily, in New Jersey, there is a no fault policy, and you are entitled to compensation regardless of who is at fault. However, there are specific circumstances when you may be denied.

• Policyholder Negligence: Depending on what state you are in, your claim for negligence may be rejected by your own car insurance company if you are found to have been speeding or breaking traffic laws. If the car was driven by an uninsured driver or if your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, the insurance company could reject your claim. Typically, this is against the policy.
• Driving While Intoxicated: Negligence also includes driving while intoxicated. If you are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the insurance company will likely reject your claim.  If your claim is denied, you could potentially face the cancellation of your insurance policy and be subject to higher premiums.
• You Refused Medical Care: In the event you are injured in an accident, you should get medical care immediately. If you delay medical care, the insurance company can reject or devalue your claim. You should also keep copies of all medical records as evidence for the insurance provider, as well as the police report. If you delay medical attention because your symptoms didn't show up right after the accident, you could still be able to get compensation for your injuries. A lawyer can assist you.
• You Missed The Deadline to File: If you do not file your claim by the deadline, your claim could be denied. New Jersey's Revised Statute § 2A:14-2 states that you have a two year time limit from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it's important to file a claim in a timely manner as two years can go by faster than you may realize.
• Filed Your Claim In Bad Faith: This refers to providing proper evidence to your insurance company, or it fell short of their standards. In addition, you may have acted in bad faith if you abandoned a deal, neglected to follow policy guidelines, or disregarded requirements set forth by the insurance company or the policy. You can always file an appeal or file a lawsuit against the insurance provider. It's important to consult with a lawyer.

What to Do If the Insurance Company Refuses To Pay Your Claim

You have some options. Usually, speaking to and hiring a lawyer will give you the best chance of recovering your losses, but you can also do the following:

Why Did They Deny You

It's important to understand their justification for denying your claim before weighing your options. They must provide you with an explanation if they reject your claim. If they didn't, ask them why.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Reviewing your policy and verifying any information they give you about the reasons they're rejecting your claim could be beneficial. What is covered and what is not covered by your policy should be clearly stated in your policy.

Take Them To Small Claims Court

You may be able to pursue the debt in small claims court if it is a small amount. Depending on the amount of the claim, you may choose to represent yourself or work with an attorney.

File a Lawsuit

You may be able to sue the insurance company if your policy states that they should have paid your claim and they won't review all the evidence. Consult your car accident lawyer about your case to determine if you have a strong case.

Need Legal Help? The Car Accident Lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick Are Here To Help 24/7

Here at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we value our clients and strive for the best results. With decades of experience, our NJ car accident lawyers have helped victims of auto accidents recover the compensation they are entitled to.

Avoid being duped by strategies used to deny auto insurance claims. After an accident, make sure you are aware of your rights to reimbursement for your losses.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation.