A denied accident claim does not always mean an insurance company acted improperly. Still, unexplained delays, inconsistent answers, or pressure to accept a low settlement can raise legitimate concerns. Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law has served injured people in St. Louis, Missouri, and nearby communities for more than 30 years. Dan Brown has handled several thousand personal injury and workers’ compensation matters, and Jennifer Wallace litigates car accident and slip-and-fall cases. Our attorneys can compare the insurer’s conduct with the policy, evidence, and circumstances surrounding your car accident insurance claim.
What Does Bad Faith Mean?
Missouri’s Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act identifies conduct such as misrepresenting coverage, ignoring communications, refusing payment without a reasonable investigation, and failing to explain a denial accurately. The law does not create a private lawsuit on its own, so whether an insurer’s actions support further legal action depends on the policy and specific facts.
1. The Company Cannot Explain a Long Delay
Some claims take time because treatment is ongoing, fault is disputed, or several carriers are involved. A multi-vehicle accident claim can require information from numerous drivers and witnesses.
Repeatedly missed deadlines are different. Unanswered messages, vague requests for more paperwork, or no explanation of what remains under investigation deserve attention.
2. The Reason for Denial Keeps Changing
A denial letter should cite the policy language and facts behind the decision. When the carrier gives a different reason each time you ask, the inconsistency can suggest that the matter was not handled carefully or fairly.
Request the company’s position in writing. Compare it with your policy and save every letter, email, and claim notice.
3. Important Evidence Is Overlooked
Police reports, photographs, witness accounts, and medical records can all affect an accident claim. An investigation that relies only on information favoring the insurer may leave out facts that support your position.
Documentation also matters when the company disputes what your accident claim is worth or challenges income lost during recovery.
4. You Are Pressured to Sign a Quick Release
An early settlement offer is not necessarily unfair. Problems arise when an adjuster dismisses documented injuries or pushes you to sign before your treatment needs and financial losses are clear.
The time required to settle a claim should reflect the evidence and circumstances, not pressure from the carrier.
Questioning How Your Claim Was Handled?
Save your policy, correspondence, medical records, and notes from phone calls before accepting a disputed settlement. For a free case review in St. Louis, MO, contact us or call Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law at 314-333-3333. Our team can look at the insurer’s reasoning and the information submitted with your claim.
