5 Critical Steps for a Denied Personal Injury Claim in LA
If you have a denied personal injury claim, you may feel like all hope is lost after a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury in Southern California. Navigating the aftermath of an accident is stressful enough without a rejection letter from an insurance company. However, as a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, I can tell you that a denial is often just the beginning of the negotiation process, not the end.
At the Law Office of Egishe Avetisian, our team specializes in helping our neighbors—including our Russian and Armenian-speaking communities—challenge insurance companies regarding their denied personal injury claim to get the compensation they deserve.
Why Was Your Personal Injury Claim Denied?
Insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line, and they often use specific tactics to avoid payouts. Common reasons for a denied personal injury claim in California include:
-
Disputed Liability: The insurer claims you were at fault or that their policyholder isn’t responsible.
-
Lack of Immediate Medical Care: If you waited too long to see a doctor in Glendale or Hollywood, the insurer may argue your injuries aren’t related to the incident.
-
Insufficient Documentation: Missing police reports, witness info, or medical records can stall a claim.
-
Policy Exclusions: The specific incident may not be covered under the existing policy terms.
5 Proactive Steps to Take After a Denial
If you receive a rejection, do not panic. Use these proactive steps to protect your rights:
-
Save the Denial Letter: This document is the roadmap your Los Angeles personal injury attorney will use to build your appeal for a denied personal injury claim.
-
Do Not Sign Anything: Consult with a lawyer before signing any “nuisance settlement” waivers.
-
Gather New Evidence: This might include surveillance footage from nearby businesses or testimony from accident reconstruction experts.
-
Request an Internal Appeal: Most insurance companies have an internal review process. Having an attorney draft this letter significantly increases your chances of success.
-
Review State Resources: If you believe your rights were violated, you can consult the official California Department of Insurance for further guidance.
FAQ: Fighting a Denied Personal Injury Claim
Q: Can I still win if my personal injury claim was denied? A: Yes. Many initial denials are reversed during the appeal or litigation phase with the help of an experienced attorney who understands local insurance laws.
Q: How long do I have to appeal a denied personal injury claim? A: Timelines vary by insurance policy, but acting quickly is essential to gather fresh evidence and meet California’s legal deadlines. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for a personal injury claim.
Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Today
The Law Office of Egishe Avetisian works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let a denied personal injury claim be the final word. Click here to contact our team today or call 818-940-5222 for a free consultation.
