At Yocom Law Firm, we understand the shock and frustration that comes when you’ve done everything right (paid your premiums, followed the process) only to have your insurance company deny your claim after a car accident. We see this happen far too often in Louisiana, and we want you to know this: a denial is not the end of the road. You absolutely can take charge and pursue the compensation you're entitled to under the law. Let’s walk through exactly what to do if your insurance company refuses to pay. Reviewing the Denial Letter: Your First Line of Defense When a claim is denied, the first thing we advise our clients to do is carefully review the denial letter. Insurance companies are required to provide a written explanation for their decision. That document should include: The exact reason for the denial The section of the policy they believe applies Instructions on how to appeal Deadlines you must meet Common reasons for denial include missed deadlines, questions around medical necessity, alleged pre-existing conditions, or disputes over liability. Whatever the reason, understanding it in clear terms helps us determine the best strategy for appealing. If you’re unsure what the letter means or it uses language that feels deliberately confusing, don’t stress. We provide legal help for car accidents every day and routinely walk clients through these types of denial letters, step by step. Gathering the Right Evidence for an Appeal A strong appeal is built on solid evidence. Once we understand why the claim was denied, we work closely with you to gather every piece of documentation that might help overturn that decision: Updated medical records Detailed billing statements Police reports Eyewitness statements Photos or video from the scene Employer statements (if lost wages are involved) We also consult with your healthcare providers when necessary to obtain clear statements of medical necessity. This is especially important if the insurer is claiming a procedure wasn’t needed or wasn’t related to the accident. Understanding What Your Policy Actually Covers One common issue we see is confusion around what a policy does or doesn’t include. If you’ve been denied because the insurance company says your injuries or expenses aren’t covered, we dig into the fine print with you. We review: Bodily injury and property damage limits MedPay coverage (which pays for medical expenses regardless of fault) Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage Exclusions and exceptions In Louisiana, policy language can vary from one insurer to the next, and many clients don’t know they had coverage options that apply until we break it down for them. We make sure your rights under your policy are fully understood and asserted. How We Support Clients During the Appeals Process If you decide to challenge the denial, we’ll file a formal appeal on your behalf. This includes preparing a comprehensive packet that outlines: Why the denial was incorrect Supporting legal arguments Medical documentation Any third-party validation (such as letters from treating physicians or professional accident analysts) In some cases, insurers engage in what we call “bad faith” tactics: delaying payment, requesting unnecessary documentation, or denying valid claims without proper investigation. If we believe bad faith practices are at play, we will aggressively pursue legal remedies on your behalf. Our team handles the back-and-forth communication with the insurance company so you can focus on recovery. We keep you informed throughout the process and act quickly to meet all appeal deadlines. Negotiating with Insurance Adjusters If your claim wasn’t flat-out denied but was underpaid or disputed, we work directly with the adjuster to negotiate a fair resolution. We use every resource available to push back against lowball offers, including: Accident scene reconstruction Expert medical opinions Proof of long-term impact on your ability to work or function Our role as your car accident attorney in Minden, Louisiana is to ensure the adjuster sees the full picture, not just what’s cheapest for the insurance company. What Happens if Appeals Fail? Sometimes, even after all efforts, an insurer won’t reverse a denial. That doesn’t mean we give up. At this point, we may pursue litigation against the insurer or the at-fault party, depending on the situation. Our goal is always to resolve cases without a lawsuit when possible, but we are fully prepared to file suit when justice requires it. We also explore other avenues, including: Filing complaints with the Louisiana Department of Insurance Seeking arbitration or mediation Identifying additional liable parties Louisiana Law and Your Rights After a Denied Claim Louisiana has unique laws that can work in your favor when dealing with denied claims. For example: Bad faith penalties: If an insurer is found to have denied your claim unfairly, they can be penalized and forced to pay damages beyond your original claim. One-year prescriptive period: In most cases, you have one year from the date of the accident to file suit. It's critical not to let that time slip away. This is why it’s important to contact us right away if your claim is denied; the clock may already be ticking. Real Legal Help for Car Accidents Starts Here If you're reading this after getting a denial letter, we want you to know you're not alone. We've helped countless clients across Louisiana who were in the same spot you're in right now. Some were facing medical debt. Others were missing work and struggling to pay bills. And many felt defeated. But after working with us, they got compensation that helped them move forward. We don’t just handle claims; we help people reclaim their peace of mind. Don’t Take “No” as the Final Answer Insurance companies count on the fact that many people won’t appeal. Don’t let them win by default. If your car accident claim was denied, reach out to Yocom Law Firm today. As a trusted car accident attorney in Minden, Louisiana, we’re here to protect your rights, advocate for the full compensation you're entitled to, and connect you with the legal support you need after a car accident. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and let us help you move from denial to resolution.

YocomLawFirm.Com is officially live! Visit our website to learn about our values, look into our history and grow familiar with our practice! We're determined to make a difference in Minden! We never settle for less!