Can the insurance company deny my claim without explaining why?

No. While an insurance company can deny your car accident claim, it must give a reason for the denial. However, the explanation is often vague, incomplete, or based on a questionable interpretation of the policy. An experienced attorney can review the denial, determine if it involves bad faith, and help you challenge it.

How long should a car accident claim take?

The timeline for a car accident claim varies. Simple property-damage claims may resolve in a few weeks, while injury claims can take several months or longer, especially if medical treatment is ongoing. Long, unexplained delays or constant stalling can be a red flag that the insurer is trying to minimize or avoid paying your claim.

Do I have to use the insurer’s recommended repair shop?

No. You are not required to use the repair shop recommended by the insurance company. You have the legal right to choose your own repair shop, obtain multiple estimates, and question any repair plan or valuation that seems too low or does not fully address the damage caused by the car accident.

What if the insurance company says I’m partially at fault?

If the insurance company says you are partially at fault, do not accept their assessment without evidence. Insurers sometimes overstate your share of fault to reduce what they must pay. Under Ohio’s comparative negligence rules, you may still recover compensation, and a lawyer can help dispute unfair fault allocations.

Will hiring a lawyer change how the insurance company treats my claim?

Yes. Once you hire a car accident lawyer, the insurance company typically becomes more cautious and professional in its communications. Your attorney can handle negotiations, push back against delay or lowball tactics, and make sure your claim is properly documented and valued so you are not pressured into an unfair settlement.

Car Accidents | Kisling, Nestico & Redick

Name: Kisling, Nestico & Redick
Brand: Kisling, Nestico & Redick
Rating: 4.7 (4704 reviews)

Legal Blog -
Car Accidents

12 Insurance Surprises To Look Out For After a Car Wreck

What If You’re in a Car Accident with No Insurance, But Are Not At Fault?

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

What If You’re the Passenger in an Uber Accident?

Ohio Work-Related Car Accidents: Injured While Working or Hit by Someone on the Job

Ohio Car Accident Reports: What’s Included & How They Help

Insurance Forms You May Receive After an Ohio Car Accident

Ohio Car Accidents & Insurance: Whose Policy Pays?

How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Car Accident Claims in Ohio

Filing a Car Accident Claim in Cuyahoga County: What Makes Cleveland Different

Legal Blog -Car Accidents