Insurance Claims

FAQs About Insurance Claims & Denials

1. WHAT CAN I DO IF MY HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE CLAIM WAS DENIED?

The first thing you should do is review your insurance policy so you can better address the reason for the denial. If you did not receive a clear reason as to why your claim was denied, follow up with the adjuster. Insurance companies are required to provide a reason for denials.

Once you have a solid understanding of your policy and why your claim was denied, and still have a reason for a rebuttal, you can file an appeal with your insurer. If you still are denied and feel that you have been wronged, your best option is to hire a homeowner’s insurance claim attorney to help you.

2. IF MY INSURANCE GIVES ME A LOWBALL OFFER, AM I REQUIRED TO ACCEPT IT?

Simply put, no you do not, because a settlement offer is just an offer, meaning it is negotiable. It is common for large insurance companies to make unreasonable offers, but you always have a right to negotiate for the best deal possible. It can be a long frustrating process to negotiate for a better deal, and that is why it is best to hire an insurance claims lawyer to fight for your best interests and hold the insurance company accountable. Insurance companies handle countless claims every day.

They know, roughly, what they will have to pay an unrepresented person with your injuries. They know, roughly, what they will have to pay if you have an experienced attorney. They will try to settle your claim at a figure below, sometimes far below, what you are entitled to collect. An initial offer from an insurance company is only rarely fair in situations where the injuries are serious.

Our experienced Miami insurance denials attorneys can help you maximize settlements from insurance companies when you have been injured in an accident.

3. WHAT STRATEGIES DO INSURANCE COMPANIES USE TO REDUCE THE VALUE OF AN INSURANCE CLAIM?

Insurance companies make money by bringing in the max amount of premiums and paying out the minimum possible, so it’s in their best interest to try to reduce the value of your claim. Here are a few strategies they may use to do so:

• Allege fault;
• Argue the extent of your injuries;
• Question the causation;
• Claim you failed to do due diligence; and
• Bad faith tactics.

When taking on an insurance company, it can be difficult and costly to overcome these strategies alone. It’s a good idea to have professional legal help on your side. They can do the heavy lifting when it comes to negotiating the best payout possible for you.

4. CAN I FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM IF I WAS HIT BY AN UNINSURED DRIVER?

Florida law states that drivers are required to have full liability coverage insurance coverage. Sadly, there are still drivers out on Florida roads without insurance. Since Florida is a “no-fault” state, it can be challenging to claim payment from an uninsured driver, so your default option would be to seek payment from your own insurance. If your costs are minimal, your claim will most likely be approved.

In some extreme cases, you may be able to seek damages from the at-fault driver. To know if this is an option, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced insurance claims attorney about your case.

5. WHY SHOULD I HIRE AN INSURANCE CLAIMS LAWYER?

When you file an insurance claim, it usually means some sort of mishap or disaster has impacted your life. Be it a serious accident, fire in your home, fender bender, natural disaster, or even the death of a loved one. You are in a low, vulnerable place.

An insurance claim is a business negotiation, and you need someone on your side who understands the claims process and who can ensure you receive the maximum payout you deserve. The insurance claims lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP have extensive experience with insurance claims and can fight for you. Whether you have been denied a claim, or wish to file but don’t know where to start, contact us today for a free consultation.

6. WHO PAYS AN INJURY CLAIM: MY INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE COMPANY OF THE PERSON WHO CAUSED MY ACCIDENT?

The answer to this can be surprisingly complicated. In an ideal setting, the negligent party, be it a doctor, driver, business, or property owner, would have the necessary insurance coverage to pay you the full compensation you deserve. In reality, insurance companies fight over responsibility for any claim. They are often willing to engage in questionable practices to avoid paying the full amount, or even a portion of it. Holding the insurance companies to their contractual obligations is one reason why it is a good idea to hire an attorney if you have been seriously injured.

7. What Is Uninsured Motorist And Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is insurance you buy to protect you from drivers who do not have insurance or do not have enough insurance to pay for your damages. While you are not required to buy UM/UIM coverage, it only makes sense for a Florida resident to have this coverage.

If you are injured in an accident, you have $10,000 in coverage from your personal injury protection (PIP). However, if you suffered a serious or permanent injury, $10,000 will not go far in covering your damages.

Our Florida insurance claims lawyers are capable of negotiating with insurance companies and can fight for your rightful compensation. Whether you have been denied a claim, or wish to file but don’t know where to start, contact us today for a free consultation. We make the process stress-free and as efficient as possible.