Your Claim Was Denied in a New York Semi-Truck Accident – Now What?

Commercial vehicle collisions are scary and can cause serious injuries and extensive property damage. If you’re involved in one, you rely on the auto insurance company to pay your claim so you can recover without major financial burdens. But what can you do if they deny your New York semi-truck accident claim?

The experienced legal team at Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC explains the steps to take following an insurance claim denial. Use the information below to advocate for compensation for your pain and suffering after an accident. 

1. Review Your Denial Letter

Denied claims are frustrating, but you don’t have to wonder why you can’t receive compensation. Insurance companies send denial letters that outline their exact reason for not approving claims. Once you receive yours, you’ll have a better understanding of why they’re refusing a payout. 

Common reasons for denial include:

• Missing or incomplete paperwork
• Insufficient evidence for the claim
• Policy exclusions prevent approval
• Extensive damages that go beyond the insurer’s limits

If your claim isn’t approved after a New York semi-truck accident, it’s time to review your denial letter and figure out why. Incomplete paperwork, for example, is easy to fix. However, other issues require a deeper look at the trucking company’s liability.  

2. Gather More Evidence Supporting Your Claim

After a jackknife crash, you should be able to see a police report detailing the incident. Along with this report, collect other pieces of evidence that support your claim. The insurance company should know about your medical treatment, so gather your medical records pertaining to accident-related injuries. 

You can also work with a seasoned personal injury lawyer to gather and review evidence on your behalf. Attorneys can research whether issues like driver fatigue or violations of FMCSA regulations played a role in the crash. 

3. Request a Formal Appeal

With more evidence on your side, you can officially appeal the decision on your New York semi-truck accident claim. Different insurance companies may have their own rules regarding the appeal process, so be sure to follow their exact recommendations. This ensures that officials will review your claim again, rather than dismissing your efforts.

Professionals recommend the following tips:

• Write an appeal letter: Formally request that you want the insurer to review their decision. 
• Include new information: Include your new evidence in the letter to strengthen your claim and urge the insurer to take another look. 
• Don’t miss deadlines: You may only have a set period to appeal your denied claim. Stick to this deadline so you don’t miss your opportunity. 

4. File a Personal Injury Suit for Your New York Semi-Truck Accident

Appealing your denied claim doesn’t always mean the insurance company will reverse its decision. If an interstate accident leaves you with physical injuries, psychological trauma, and a totaled car, consider suing the commercial freight company. 

Team up with an experienced truck accident lawyer and let them negotiate with the company’s insurer for a fair settlement. You could end up with a settlement that accounts for the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Property damage
• Emotional trauma
• Overall pain and suffering

In some cases, victims may also receive punitive damages if the accident stems from egregious behavior on the part of the at-fault party. 

Explore Your Legal Options – Contact Our Attorneys

After a New York semi-truck accident, your first thought is to file an insurance claim. If the company denies your claim, our team at Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC can help you review your options for appealing or filing a suit.  

Call 716-848-8000 or submit our online form to request a free case evaluation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

Q: Why would a New York semi-truck accident claim be denied?

A: Claims are often denied due to incomplete paperwork, insufficient evidence, policy exclusions, or damages exceeding insurance limits.

Q: What evidence should I gather after a New York semi-truck accident?

A: Gather police reports, medical records, and evidence of driver violations to support your claim and appeal process.

Q: What are my legal options if my New York semi-truck accident claim appeal is denied?

A: You can file a personal injury suit against the trucking company to seek compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.