Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with. Whether you are making a claim against your own policy (a first party claim) or a claim against negligent defendant’s insurer (a third party claim), recovering the full financial compensation that you deserve is often challenging.
Insurance companies deny claims for a wide range of different reasons. One common reason is because the claimant (allegedly) missed a deadline. In this article, our Spokane insurance denial lawyers explain your rights and options if the insurer says that you missed a deadline.
Statute of Limitations is the Most Important Deadline—But Not the Only One
Legal Deadline: The Statute of Limitations
As a starting point, we should emphasize that the statute of limitations is the most important deadline in any legal case. The statute of limitations is the maximum amount of time you have to bring a claim. For example, under Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080(2), personal injury claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. Put another way, plaintiffs have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failure to initiate a claim before this deadline will almost certainly result in it being time-barred by the court.
Insurance Coverage Provisions: Notification Requirements
An insurance policy is a contract. When you are dealing with your own insurance carrier, you should comply with the terms of the agreement. As a general rule, most policies—from car insurance coverage to homeowners’ insurance coverage—contain a notification requirement. The policy will likely require you to report the covered loss to the insurance company promptly.
Do Not Wait Any Longer to Take Action
At this point, it is imperative that you take immediate action to address the insurance company’s argument. If your claim was denied on the grounds of a missed deadline, your case is highly time sensitive. Do not wait to act. You should call an experienced Washington insurance denial lawyer to schedule an immediate review of your case. A lawyer will be able to assess your policy and explain your options.
You Have the Right to Appeal an Insurance Denial
Even if the insurer contends that you missed a deadline, you still have the right to file an appeal. Remember, the insurance company is not the final arbiter in your case. Whether the insurer is arguing that your claim falls outside of the statute of limitations or it argues that you invalidated coverage by failing to provide adequate notice, our Spokane insurance denial lawyers can help you craft an appeal.
Speak to Our Spokane Insurance Appeals Attorney Today
At Albrecht Law PLLC, our Washington insurance lawyers are attentive, results-driven advocates for our clients. If your insurance claim was denied on the grounds that you missed a deadline, we are here to help. To set up your free, no obligation consultation with a top-rated attorney, please contact our law firm today. With an office in Spokane, we serve clients throughout the region, including in Whitman County, Stevens County, and Lincoln County.
