Car Insurance Claims Disputes Lawyers: How Morgan & Morgan Can Help You Fight for Compensation

3 min read time
car accident insurance claim concept

Car accidents are more than just stressful events—they can upend your entire life, and dealing with insurance companies afterward can make matters even worse. 

Many policyholders assume that their car insurance providers will honor claims in good faith, but disputes over settlements, denied claims, and underpaid compensation are all too common. 

To put it into perspective, remember that insurance companies are businesses that want to protect their bottom line. They don’t make money by paying out every claim—they profit by doing the opposite: denying your claim.

If you find yourself in a dispute with your insurer, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Morgan & Morgan, our car insurance claims disputes lawyers have extensive experience handling cases where insurance companies refuse to pay rightful claims. We fight for policyholders who have been unfairly denied coverage, lowballed on settlements, or subjected to bad-faith insurance practices.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

 

Car Insurance Claims Disputes: What to Know

Car insurance disputes arise when an insurance company and a policyholder disagree over claim eligibility, settlement amounts, or policy interpretations. It helps to know the common reason an insurance company may deny a claim so you can work proactively to avoid these pitfalls. 

 

These disputes can involve a range of issues, including:

 

Claim Denials

Insurance companies may deny claims outright for various reasons, such as:

  • Allegations of policy violations (failure to report an accident on time)
  • Claims that the policyholder was at fault
  • Disputes over the severity of damages
  • Accusations of fraud or misrepresentation

 

Underpaid Claims

Even when an insurance company approves a claim, they may offer a payout that is far below what is necessary to cover repairs, medical expenses, or lost wages. Common tactics include:

  • Lowball settlement offers
  • Misinterpretation of policy coverage
  • Delayed or stalled claim processing

 

Bad Faith Insurance Practices

Some insurers act in bad faith by unfairly denying or delaying claims. Bad faith practices include:

  • Failing to investigate claims properly
  • Misrepresenting policy terms
  • Unreasonably delaying payment
  • Using deceptive tactics to avoid paying claims

 

Are You Covered? The Six Types of Insurance Coverage

Car insurance policies typically include six main types of coverage, each designed to protect policyholders in different situations. Understanding these coverages can help you navigate insurance disputes more effectively.

 

1. Liability Coverage

Liability coverage includes:

  • Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs if you are at fault in an accident that injures another person.
  • Property Damage Liability (PDL): Covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property.

     

2. Collision Coverage

Pays for damages to your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. This coverage is essential if your car is financed or leased.

 

3. Comprehensive Coverage

Covers non-collision-related damages, such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and falling objects.

 

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Provides protection if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. It can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.

 

5. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Also known as "no-fault insurance," PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.

 

6. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Similar to PIP, MedPay covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, but it typically does not cover lost wages or other related costs.

Each type of coverage plays an important role in ensuring financial protection after an accident. If your insurance company wrongfully denies or underpays a claim, a car insurance claims disputes lawyer can help you fight for what you’re owed. 

 

What to Do if Your Car Insurance Claim Is Denied or Disputed

If your car insurance claim is denied or if you receive an unfair settlement offer, you should take the following steps:

 

1. Review Your Policy

Carefully read your insurance policy to understand what is covered, your rights, and your insurer’s obligations.

 

2. Request a Written Explanation

Insurance companies must provide written explanations for claim denials. Request this information to understand their reasoning.

 

3. Gather Supporting Evidence

Strengthen your case by collecting:

  • Photos of the accident and damages
  • Medical records and bills
  • Repair estimates
  • Witness statements
  • Police reports

 

4. Appeal the Decision

Most insurance policies allow you to appeal a denied claim. This involves submitting additional evidence or requesting a formal review.

 

5. Contact a Car Insurance Claims Disputes Lawyer at Morgan & Morgan

If your insurer refuses to negotiate fairly or continues to deny your claim, legal action may be necessary. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for fair compensation.

 

Wrongly Denied? Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury law firm in America, with a proven track record of taking on big insurance companies. For over 35 years, we have fought For the People—not the powerful—and have recovered over $25 billion in the process.

We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation to review your case and determine your legal options. If we can work together, our lawyers get straight to work and thoroughly investigate car accident claims, gathering evidence and expert testimony to build a strong case. We also handle all negotiations with insurers to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

If your insurer refuses to act in good faith, we can file a lawsuit and take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Morgan & Morgan, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

There’s no obligation or risk to learn more today. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How long do I have to dispute a denied car insurance claim?

The timeframe to dispute a denial depends on your state’s laws and your insurance policy. Most policies require appeals to be filed within a specific time limit, such as 30 to 60 days.

It's important to respond to a denial as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within time could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by policy, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

 

Can I sue my insurance company for denying my claim?

Yes, if your insurance company wrongfully denies your claim or acts in bad faith, you may be able to file a lawsuit for breach of contract or bad faith insurance practices.

Potential damages for a car insurance dispute case may include:

  • Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering (in some cases)
  • Punitive damages (in cases of bad faith practices

 

Do I Need a Lawyer to Dispute My Car Insurance Claim?

While you can dispute a claim on your own, hiring a lawyer increases your chances of success. Insurance companies have legal teams working against you—having an attorney levels the playing field.

If you are struggling with a denied or underpaid car insurance claim, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Morgan & Morgan has the resources and experience to take on insurers and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let our car insurance claims disputes lawyers advocate for your rights. 

Disclaimer
This website is meant for general information and not legal advice.

Injured? Getting the compensation you deserve starts here.

An illustration of a broken car.