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Auto insurance is designed to protect you in the event of an accident or damage to your vehicle, but what happens when your claim is denied? If your insurer refuses to pay for repairs, medical bills, or damages after an accident, it can be frustrating and overwhelming. Understanding the common reasons why auto insurance claims are denied can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure that you are prepared if the unexpected happens.

Here are the top 10 reasons your auto insurance claim might be denied:

1. Failure to Pay Premiums

One of the most straightforward reasons for a denied claim is failure to pay your premiums. If your insurance policy has lapsed due to missed payments, your insurer may refuse to cover any claims. Make sure to stay current on your payments and keep track of your policy renewal dates to avoid this issue.

2. Driving Under the Influence

If you were involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your insurer may deny your claim. Most auto insurance policies contain a clause that excludes coverage for accidents caused by driving while intoxicated or impaired. Not only could this result in a claim denial, but it could also lead to higher premiums or even loss of coverage.

3. Lack of Proper Documentation

If you don’t provide the required documentation when filing a claim, such as a police report, photos of the accident scene, or medical records, your insurer may deny your claim. To avoid this, be sure to gather and submit all necessary information as soon as possible after an accident.

4. Non-Authorized Drivers

If someone who is not listed on your policy was driving your vehicle at the time of the accident, your insurer may deny the claim. Most auto insurance policies only cover claims for accidents involving drivers who are authorized to drive the vehicle. Ensure that anyone who drives your car is properly listed on your policy.

5. Driving Without a Valid License

If the driver involved in the accident does not have a valid driver’s license, the insurance company may refuse to cover the claim. It’s essential that all drivers on your policy maintain a valid and up-to-date license.

6. Excluded Coverage

Some auto insurance policies have exclusions, which are specific situations where the insurer will not cover a claim. For example, damage caused by natural disasters, vandalism, or specific types of accidents may not be covered under certain policies. Review your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered to avoid surprises later.

7. Intentional Damage

If the insurer suspects that the damage was intentionally caused—whether through arson, vandalism, or staged accidents—they may deny the claim. Insurance companies conduct thorough investigations, and intentional damage is grounds for both claim denial and potential legal action.

8. Failure to Report the Accident on Time

Most auto insurance policies require that you report an accident within a specific timeframe, often within 24 to 48 hours. If you fail to notify your insurer promptly, they may deny your claim. Be sure to report accidents as soon as possible to prevent this from happening.

9. Excessive Speeding or Reckless Driving

If the insurance company finds that the driver involved in the accident was engaging in reckless driving, such as speeding excessively, running red lights, or engaging in other dangerous behaviors, they may deny your claim. Insurance policies often exclude coverage for accidents caused by reckless or unsafe driving.

10. Insufficient Coverage

If you don’t have enough coverage for the damages incurred, your claim may be denied or only partially paid out. For example, if you only have liability insurance and your car is damaged in a collision that is your fault, your insurance may not cover the cost of repairs. Be sure to review your coverage limits and consider adding comprehensive or collision coverage for greater protection.

A Katy Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Getting your auto insurance claim denied can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but knowing the common reasons for denial can help you avoid these pitfalls and protect yourself in the future. To ensure your claims are processed smoothly, always stay current on your premiums, provide all necessary documentation, and review your policy to make sure it aligns with your needs. If you feel your claim was unjustly denied, don’t hesitate to challenge the decision or seek legal advice. Attorney Scott Callahan has been in practice for over 25 years and has seen a wide array of reasons for claim denials and can advise on the best path forward. Give the office a call today at 713-888-9000.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) following a car wreck or other injury, you may be wondering how much compensation you could be entitled to in your claim. CRPS is a chronic pain condition that often arises after an injury or trauma, causing intense, long-lasting pain, swelling, changes in skin color, and loss of function in the affected limb. Because CRPS can be debilitating, it’s important to understand how compensation is calculated in personal injury cases involving this condition.

In this blog, we’ll explore the factors that influence compensation for CRPS, the types of damages you may be able to recover, and how a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you maximize your settlement or verdict.

Understanding CRPS: The Impact on Your Life

CRPS is a condition that usually occurs after an injury, such as a fracture, surgery, or trauma. The pain associated with CRPS is often disproportionate to the injury itself, and it can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, including:

In severe cases, CRPS can lead to permanent disability, significantly affecting the quality of life, ability to work, and ability to perform everyday tasks. This can be especially challenging as the condition often has no definitive cure, meaning individuals may face long-term pain management and ongoing treatment.

Types of Compensation Available for CRPS Claims

The compensation you may receive for CRPS in a personal injury claim can vary based on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your condition, the impact on your life, and how the injury occurred. However, there are several key categories of damages you could be entitled to.

Medical Expenses

If you’re diagnosed with CRPS following an injury, you’ll likely face significant medical expenses. These can include:

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for past and future medical expenses related to your CRPS diagnosis and treatment. This includes not just the costs you’ve already incurred, but also anticipated future costs if your condition requires ongoing treatment or if you suffer permanent disability.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

CRPS can have a profound impact on your ability to work, particularly if the condition limits your mobility or requires significant time off for medical treatment. If your ability to work has been impaired, you may be entitled to compensation for:

The more severe and long-lasting your CRPS, the greater the potential impact on your future earnings, which can be factored into your settlement or jury verdict.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life that you experience as a result of your CRPS. This is often the most subjective form of compensation and can be difficult to quantify. However, personal injury lawyers rely on expert testimony, medical records, and other evidence to demonstrate the extent of the pain and suffering.

Factors that may affect your pain and suffering award include:

The longer the duration and more severe the pain, the higher the potential award for pain and suffering.

Emotional Distress and Mental Health Effects

Dealing with chronic pain from CRPS can take a significant emotional toll, leading to conditions such as:

In cases where CRPS leads to emotional distress, you may be entitled to damages for the psychological impact of living with the condition. Emotional distress damages can be added to your pain and suffering compensation and may be awarded based on the severity of your mental health symptoms.

Loss of Consortium

If CRPS has affected your relationship with your spouse or family members—whether due to your inability to engage in activities together, a reduction in intimacy, or your emotional distress—you may be eligible for loss of consortium damages. This category compensates your spouse or family members for the negative impact on their relationship with you as a result of the injury.

Factors That Influence the Amount of Compensation for CRPS

While every CRPS case is unique, several factors can influence how much compensation you may be awarded:

The Severity of Your CRPS

The more severe and disabling your condition, the higher your compensation is likely to be. For example, if you suffer permanent impairment or are unable to return to work, you may be entitled to a larger settlement.

The Evidence in Your Case

The strength of the evidence supporting your claim will play a critical role in determining how much compensation you can receive. Strong medical records, expert testimony, and a well-documented history of the injury and its effects on your life will help establish the extent of your damages.

The Circumstances of the Injury

If your CRPS resulted from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing (e.g., a car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice), you may be entitled to a larger settlement or verdict. Cases involving gross negligence or particularly egregious actions may result in higher punitive damages, although these are less common.

The Jurisdiction and Legal Team

The location of your case and the skill of your personal injury lawyer can impact your compensation. Different states have different laws regarding compensation caps, insurance policies, and what types of damages are available. A skilled lawyer with experience handling CRPS cases will know how to navigate these complexities and fight for the best possible outcome.

How a Katy CRPS Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Compensation

Given the complexity of CRPS and the significant impact it can have on your life, it’s crucial to have a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side. A lawyer experienced with CRPS cases can help you:

Attorney Scott Callahan has the experience necessary to successfully maximize CRPS claims and win the compensation you deserve. The firm is available 24/7 at 713-888-9000 to give a free legal consultation to evaluate your case.

Car insurance is a necessity for every driver, offering crucial financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or damage. Yet, understanding the intricacies of your car insurance policy can often feel like deciphering a foreign language. From deductibles to coverage limits, and exclusions buried in the fine print, it’s easy to get lost in the details.

There can also be confusion about what the minimum coverage requirements are for car insurance and what additions would be in a driver’s best interest to include. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate and understand your car insurance policy.

What are the Different Auto Coverage Types?

Car insurance policies typically consist of several types of coverage, each serving a different purpose. You can purchase different amounts of coverage based on your needs.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

This pays medical bills, lost wages, and other nonmedical costs for you and your passengers. All auto policies in Texas include PIP coverage unless you sign a written rejection. It also pays if you’re hurt while a passenger in someone else’s car, while walking, or biking.

Medical Payments (Med Pay)

This is similar to PIP but it only pays medical bills for you and your passengers. It also pays if you’re hurt while a passenger in someone else’s car, while walking, or biking.

Liability Coverage

If you caused the wreck, this pays for damages to the other driver, his or her passengers, as well as your passengers. It covers injuries as well as property damage. Injuries can include medical expenses, physical pain, and lost earnings. Property damages can include repairs, replacement, rental charges, and diminished value. Texas law requires you to have at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage. This is called 30/60/25 coverage. Minimum limits may be too low if you cause a multi-vehicle wreck, the other driver’s car is totaled, or there are serious injuries. It is important to consider carrying more than the state’s minimum limits. If you don’t have enough liability coverage, you might have to pay out of pocket or you may get sued.

Collision Coverage

This pays to repair or replace your car after a collision, even if the wreck was your fault.

Comprehensive (Other Than Collision) Coverage

This pays for something that is not a collision like if your car is stolen or damaged by fire, flood, or vandalism.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

This pays if you’re hit by someone who either has no insurance (called UM or Uninsured Motorist) or not enough insurance (called UIM or Underinsured Motorist). It covers your injuries and property damage. It also pays if you’re involved in a hit-and-run. All auto policies in Texas include UM/UIM coverage unless you sign a written rejection.  

If the at-fault driver is being uncooperative with their insurance company, or if the at-fault insurance company is delaying the investigation and handling of your claim, you have the option of filing with your own insurance under this coverage.

Gap Insurance

Gap insurance covers the amount needed to pay off your car loan if your car is totaled but the amount remaining on your loan is more than the value of your car.

This coverage is optional but can be a good decision right after you finance a new car. You can opt to drop this coverage once the amount owed drops below your car’s value.

Policy Limits and Deductibles

Limits

This refers to the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered claim. For example, a limit for bodily injury liability might be expressed as $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident for bodily injury. For per person coverage, it means if you cause the wreck and injure another person, then that person can collect up to $30,000. However, if you injure multiple people, your insurance company will not pay out more than $60,000 total to all injured persons in that wreck.

Deductibles

This is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums, but you’ll pay more out of pocket when you make a claim. You don’t want to be in a position where your deductible is much higher than you can comfortably afford in the event you would need to use your insurance.

Exclusions and Special Conditions

Exclusions

These are scenarios where your policy won’t provide coverage. Common exclusions include intentional damage, racing, or using your vehicle for commercial purposes without proper coverage (such as driving for Uber or Lyft)

Understand the Terms and Definitions

Insurance policies are packed with industry jargon that can confuse even the most diligent reader. Take the time to look up terms like “subrogation,” “endorsements,” or “total loss threshold” to grasp their significance in your policy.

Review Additional Benefits

Many policies offer extras like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or coverage for personal belongings inside your vehicle. These can provide added peace of mind but require understanding their limits and conditions.

Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask your lawyer, insurance agent, or representative for clarification on any aspect of your policy. They are there to help you make informed decisions.

Regularly Review Your Policy

Life changes, and so do your insurance needs. Review your policy annually or whenever you have a major life event (like buying a new car, moving, getting married or adding your teenager as a driver on your policy) to ensure your coverage still meets your requirements. Premiums also fluctuate so shopping around on your own or through a broker is always wise.

A Katy Car Wreck Lawyer Can Help in Understanding Your Car Insurance Policy

Understanding your car insurance policy is essential for making informed decisions about your coverage. A Katy car wreck attorney is well-versed in the types of coverage available, the limits and deductibles, exclusions, and additional benefits and how your policy (or the at-fault driver’s policies) can financially protect you in the event of a car accident.

Scott Callahan is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and has handled thousands of car accidents covered by almost every car insurance company including Allstate, State Farm, Fred Loya, and Progressive. The firm is available 24/7 to answer your call and evaluate your car wreck claim.