Every year, road accidents take a serious toll. The World Health Organization reports that about 1.19 million people die in road crashes annually, and between 20 and 50 million more suffer non-fatal injuries. Behind these numbers are real costs: hospital bills, damaged vehicles, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses. (1)
For most drivers, insurance is supposed to handle these financial burdens. But filing a claim isn’t as straightforward as it should be. Many assume the process is simple—call your insurer, explain what happened, and wait for your check. Instead, they face insurance companies that question their version of events, drag out the process for months, or hand them settlement offers that barely cover half the damage.
The good news is that most of these problems are avoidable. When you understand the tactics insurers use and the mistakes drivers commonly make, you can protect yourself and get the payout you deserve.
Here are some of the biggest issues drivers face when filing car accident claims:
Disputes Over Liability
One of the biggest frustrations for drivers is disagreement about who caused the crash. Sometimes, police officers clearly determine fault, but other times, both drivers share responsibility. Your insurer may examine the police report, witness statements, and photos to decide who’s liable.
If you believe their assessment is wrong, you can challenge it. Providing extra proof, like dashcam footage or repair estimates, could support your side. You may also seek independent advice before accepting the decision. Understanding how auto insurance companies review fault can help you present stronger evidence.
It’s always a good idea to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you gather evidence, communicate with your insurance provider, and make sure your rights are protected during the settlement process. Having professional guidance may also improve your chances of getting a fair payout.
Additionally, they’ll advise you on what to do if an uninsured driver hits you. This way, you understand your options for recovering compensation through your own insurance coverage, such as uninsured motorist protection, without facing unnecessary financial stress.
Complex Policy Language
Most drivers admit they don’t read their insurance policy closely until they need it. Unfortunately, that’s when they discover confusing terms or unexpected exclusions. Phrases like “bodily injury” or “personal injury claim” sound simple, but have specific meanings that affect coverage.
Take time to understand what your policy actually covers. Ask your insurance provider to explain unclear sections in plain language. Knowing the difference between comprehensive coverage and collision coverage can make a big difference when you file an auto insurance claim.
Lowball Settlement Offers
After weeks of waiting, getting a settlement process offer can be a relief, but be careful. Some insurers start with low offers that don’t fully reflect your losses. They may underestimate repair costs, overlook lost wages, or undervalue your car.
If you think the offer is too low, don’t rush to accept it. If you’ve hired an attorney, consult with them. Otherwise, gather your own estimates and compare them with the insurer’s numbers. You can negotiate or ask for a review. A fair settlement should cover your actual costs, not just part of them.
Underpayment or Denied Claims
Few things sting like finding out your car insurance payout doesn’t cover your losses. Claims get denied or underpaid for several reasons. This includes missed deadlines, incomplete forms, or exclusions in your insurance policy. Sometimes the insurer may even argue that your property damage or injury wasn’t related to the accident.
Before filing, review your insurance coverage to see what’s included. Double-check the limits of your insurance coverage, too. Getting multiple repair estimates and keeping all receipts can also help if you need to dispute the payout. If your claim is denied, ask for the reason in writing. You may be able to appeal with more evidence. (2)
Delays in Claim Processing
Another common issue is waiting. What should take a few weeks can stretch into months or longer since delays could happen when important insurance information is missing, insurance adjusters are backlogged, or there’s confusion about who’s at fault.
To speed things up, gather everything you need right away. This includes your driver’s license, vehicle information, photos of the road accident scene, and the police report. Send copies promptly to your insurance provider and keep notes of every conversation.
Medical Claims and Delayed Symptoms
According to the CDC, there were over 2.6 million emergency department visits for motor vehicle crash injuries in 2022 alone. However, injuries from a car accident aren’t always obvious right away. Pain from whiplash, soft tissue damage, or even concussions may not appear until days after the crash. This creates a major problem: insurers may argue that delayed symptoms aren’t connected to the accident, making it harder to get your medical bills covered. (3)
To get ahead of this, see a doctor immediately after the accident, even if you feel fine. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts. When symptoms appear later, having early documentation helps show that the injury could be linked to the auto accident. In some cases, filing a personal injury claim or personal injury lawsuit might be an option if your expenses aren’t fully covered.
Conclusion
Filing a car accident claim often involves obstacles, such as disputes over liability, frustrating delays, and lowball settlement offers. The good news is that preparation is your best defense. When you have the right information, you put yourself in a stronger position.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if your claim is unfairly denied or undervalued. Taking these steps helps you secure the fair payout you deserve.
