After suffering an injury due to an accident in South Carolina, filing an insurance claim can be the first step toward securing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Unfortunately, our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers know all too well that many legitimate claims are initially denied by insurance companies, leaving victims frustrated and unsure of their next steps.
If you’ve received a denial, you still have options. Understanding how to appeal a denied insurance claim in South Carolina can be crucial to pursuing the compensation you deserve. We can help. Here’s how.
Why Insurance Personal Injury Claims Are Denied in South Carolina
Insurance companies deny personal injury claims for various reasons, some of which may be valid, while others are tactics to minimize payouts.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Incomplete Documentation:Missing medical records, unclear accident reports, or incomplete forms can lead to denials.
- Incomplete Investigation:The insurer may claim they have not completed their investigation or been unable to reach their insured. The insurance company will ask to record your statement claiming they just need it for their investigation, but what they’re really doing is hoping you’ll say something – even innocent comments like “I’m feeling okay” – that they can use later to pay you less money or deny your claim.
- Disputed Liability:The insurer may claim that their policyholder wasn’t responsible for the accident or that you were partially or fully at fault.
- Policy Exclusions: The insurer might argue that the policy doesn’t cover the type of accident or injury you experienced.
- Delayed Treatment:If you delay seeking medical care, the insurer may argue that your injuries weren’t related to the accident.
- Failure to Meet Deadlines:Missing deadlines for filing claims or submitting requested documents can result in denials.
- Allegations of Fraud:The insurer may assert that your injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident.
Carefully read the insurance company’s response to your claim to understand the reason for the denial. Insurance companies must provide a written explanation, which often includes references to policy provisions, deadlines, and the basis for their decision.
Unfortunately, they cannot say in their denial letter that they often deny personal injury claims when victims pursue them independently because they assume claimants may lack the legal expertise, resources, or negotiation skills to challenge the denial effectively. That is usually the truth.
Without solid evidence or knowledge of South Carolina laws, insurance adjusters may downplay the extent of injuries, argue about liability, or offer low settlements, knowing that many individuals might accept these results out of frustration or simply because they do not know better.
However, when a victim partners with our South Carolina personal injury lawyers, the dynamic changes significantly. Insurance companies know that our experienced attorneys will build a compelling case, gather crucial evidence, and aren’t afraid to take the matter to court if necessary. This legal pressure often makes insurers reconsider and offer fairer settlements to avoid costly litigation.
Contact Our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
Don’t let a denied claim discourage you—take action, protect your rights, and pursue the outcome you deserve. If you’re facing a denial, contact our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys to review your case and guide you through the appeal process by calling (803) 302-3989 to learn more. We provide free consultations for all South Carolina personal injury cases and never charge legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.