Common Types of Insurance Disputes in Personal Injury Cases
Suffering an injury is difficult enough, but the recovery process can become even more stressful when insurance disputes arise. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing uncertainty about whether insurance will provide adequate support can overwhelm you. At Selingo Guagliardo, we understand these frustrations and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies often delay, deny, or underpay claims, leaving victims without financial assistance. Disputes commonly involve denied claims, delayed payments, or settlements that fall short of what’s fair. In car accident cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage disputes can add more complexity.
Our team is here to advocate for you, using our legal expertise and compassion to help you navigate these battles while focusing on your recovery.
Denied Insurance Claims
One of the most frustrating experiences for injury victims is receiving a denial from their insurance company. Personal injury claims may be denied for several reasons, often citing liability disputes, insufficient evidence, or policy exclusions. In many cases, insurers claim the accident wasn’t their policyholder’s fault or argued that the injuries weren’t severe enough to warrant compensation. These denials leave individuals struggling with mounting medical bills and lost wages, unsure of what to do next.
When a claim is denied, don’t lose hope. Review the denial letter carefully to understand the exact reason provided. Sometimes, a denial results from missing documentation, such as medical records or proof of the accident, which can be corrected by submitting additional evidence.
If the denial stems from a more complex issue, like a liability dispute, seeking legal guidance can help. Our firm knows how to challenge unjust denials and hold insurance companies accountable, providing relief and reassurance as we gather the necessary evidence, negotiate, and, if needed, pursue your case in court.
Delayed Claims Payments
A delayed insurance payment can cause significant financial strain, especially for personal injury victims who rely on timely compensation to cover expenses. Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes use delay tactics to avoid or postpone paying claims. These delays may occur due to lengthy investigations, requests for additional documentation, or even tactics to pressure victims into accepting lower settlements.
The financial impact of a delayed payment can be devastating. Victims are often left juggling their recovery with growing financial burdens, unable to afford necessary treatments or manage day-to-day expenses. This kind of stress only compounds an injury's physical and emotional toll.
Responding promptly to the insurance company’s requests and submitting all necessary documentation can help move the process forward. If delays persist, legal assistance may be needed. Our team understands the urgency of these situations and works to counter stalling tactics, ensuring that you receive the compensation you need as quickly as possible.
Underpaid Claims
In many personal injury cases, insurance companies offer settlements far lower than what is fair. These underpaid claims can leave victims struggling to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost income. Insurers may minimize payouts by arguing that specific treatments aren’t necessary, downplaying the severity of injuries, or undervaluing the long-term impact of an accident. These lowball offers can be especially frustrating for those recovering from an injury.
If you believe your claim has been underpaid, review the settlement offer closely to identify discrepancies between what the insurer offers and your actual costs. Be sure to gather all relevant documentation, such as medical bills, treatment records, and proof of lost wages.
Once you’ve identified the gap, you can challenge the underpayment. Insurance companies often respond more fairly when faced with a well-documented claim. Legal representation may be necessary if the insurer continues to offer an unfair amount. We help clients fight against unjust settlements to ensure they receive the full compensation they’re entitled to.
Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Insurance companies are legally obligated to act in good faith when handling claims, meaning they must process and pay legitimate claims fairly and promptly. However, insurers sometimes engage in bad faith practices, intentionally delaying or denying valid claims, failing to investigate properly, or misrepresenting policy terms to avoid paying out.
Bad faith practices are particularly damaging to personal injury victims who depend on timely financial support during their recovery. Common examples of bad faith include unreasonable claim denials, delays without valid reasons, or settlements that fail to cover the actual cost of damages. In some cases, insurers may refuse to communicate with the policyholder or mislead them about their coverage.
You have legal recourse if you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith. Our team has extensive experience challenging unethical practices and can help you take action to secure the compensation you are owed.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Disputes
Being involved in an accident with a driver who lacks insurance or sufficient coverage can make recovering compensation for your injuries feel like an uphill battle. Disputes can still arise even if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your policy. Insurers may try to limit payouts, question the severity of injuries, or even deny your claim altogether.
In these situations, insurance companies may dispute liability or undervalue the costs of long-term injuries, leaving victims in difficult financial positions. Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can add up quickly.
If you’re involved in a UM/UIM coverage dispute, act quickly by reviewing your policy and documenting all accident details, including police reports and medical records. Legal intervention may be necessary to resolve the dispute. We’re here to help you navigate these complex situations and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Get the Support You Deserve
Dealing with insurance disputes while recovering from an injury can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you're facing a denied claim, delayed payments, or an underpaid settlement, having a strong legal advocate on your side can make all the difference. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a free evaluation if you're dealing with any insurance dispute. Our team is here to help you through the complexities of the insurance process so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.