By Gravis Law
If you’ve been in a car accident in Washington State and your insurance claim has been unfairly denied, you may feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of your legal rights. As an experienced Washington car accident lawyer, I understand how stressful and confusing this situation can be. The good news is you can fight back and get the compensation you deserve.
Our team of personal injury attorneys is resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Gravis Law today at 509.588.0530.
Knowing Your Rights After a Car Accident Claim Denial in Washington
As a Washington driver, you have the right to fair treatment from your insurance company after an accident. If your claim is denied, the insurer must provide a clear, written explanation of why. Common reasons include questions about the fault, the extent of damages, or believing your claim isn’t covered under your policy. However, denials are often made in error or bad faith. A skilled car accident lawyer in Washington can help you understand your rights and if a denial was improper.
What to Do After Receiving an Insurance Claim Denial Letter
Timing is critical after a claim denial. There are key steps to take right away:
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Review the denial letter carefully and check what reason was provided
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Gather and organize all evidence related to your accident and injuries
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Contact a reputable Washington car accident attorney to discuss your case
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File an appeal with your insurance company, clearly explaining your position
Washington implemented a new law requiring insurers to decide an appeal within 30 days. An experienced personal injury lawyer can ensure you meet all deadlines in the appeals process.
Building a Strong Case to Fight an Insurance Denial
To have your denial overturned, you’ll need clear and convincing evidence showing the insurer’s decision was wrong. A Washington personal injury lawyer can help you build the strongest possible case, including:
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Independently investigating your accident to prove the fault
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Gathering police reports, witness statements, photos, and video
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Obtaining your complete medical records detailing your injuries
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Consulting with professionals to show the extent of damages and future costs
At a respected firm like Gravis Law, our Washington car accident attorneys have deep experience assembling the facts and testimony needed to get denials reversed.
Taking Legal Action Against an Insurance Company
If an appeal is unsuccessful, your next step may be to file a lawsuit against the insurance company for acting in bad faith. In Washington, you can sue your insurer if they fail to investigate your claim fairly, provide false or misleading information, or wrongly deny or delay payment.
To prove bad faith, your personal injury attorney must show the insurance company’s denial was unreasonable and breached their duties. In recent years, Washington courts awarded over $50 million in bad faith judgments against auto insurers. With a strong litigator, you can hold the insurance company accountable.
Choosing the Right Washington Car Accident Lawyer
Not all personal injury lawyers are equally skilled at overcoming claim denials. Look for an attorney who:
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Focuses their practice on car accidents and insurance issues
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Has a track record of successfully appealing and litigating denials
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Is willing to take your case to trial if needed
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Offers a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case
The car accident attorneys at Gravis Law check all those boxes and are ready to use our decades of experience to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a car accident lawyer in Washington cost?
Most Washington personal injury attorneys, including ours at Gravis Law, take cases contingently. That means you pay no upfront fees; we only get paid if we recover your money.
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How long does an insurance company have to respond to an appeal in Washington State?
In Washington, insurance companies must decide on an appeal within 30 days of receiving it. The clock starts when you submit your appeal in writing.
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What are the most common reasons car accident claims are denied in Washington?
Insurance companies often claim the accident was wholly or partly your fault, your policy doesn’t cover your injuries, or your medical treatment was unnecessary. A Washington personal injury lawyer can gather evidence to counter these arguments.
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What types of damages can I recover in a Washington car accident case?
If your claim is unfairly denied, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. An experienced attorney will fight for maximum damages.
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How do I find a qualified car accident lawyer near me in Washington?
Ask for recommendations from friends and family, use online directories, and read Google reviews. Most importantly, choose a Washington personal injury attorney with proven results getting claim denials overturned for their clients.
Work With a Car Accident Lawyer
Gravis Law has guided clients through personal injury cases with a personalized touch. We are here to help you and treat every client with the utmost care and empathy. Call our team of experienced attorneys today at 509.588.0530.