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If you're dealing with a USAA insurance claim in Houston, it's essential to have a professional by your side. USAA insurance claim attorneys in Houston can help you navigate the complex process.
USAA insurance claims can be denied for various reasons, including policy exclusions or lack of documentation. This is where a USAA insurance claim attorney in Houston can make a significant difference.
In Texas, where Houston is located, the statute of limitations for filing an insurance claim is typically two years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline can result in your claim being denied.
A USAA insurance claim attorney in Houston can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case to support your claim.
Broaden your view: Insurance Agent Salary Houston
USAA Insurance Claim Process
To submit a claim to USAA, you can call their office to report a car accident claim. This will get the process started and a claim number will be assigned to you.
The USAA representative will then give you a claim number, which is an essential part of the process. A claim will be assigned to a particular adjuster, who will handle your case.
If you have a more serious injury, the claim will be assigned to a higher level adjuster.
For another approach, see: Claim Process in Insurance
How to Submit
To submit a claim to USAA, you can call them at a specific number to report a car accident claim. The representative will then give you a claim number.
The claim will be assigned to a particular adjuster. If you have a more serious injury, the claim will be assigned to a higher level adjuster.
Broaden your view: What Is Claim Number in Car Insurance
Immediately
Immediately after a collision, try to move all involved vehicles off the road and give yourself space from traffic. Turning on hazard lights or placing cones around the accident is advisable.
Call the police to report the accident. You'll want to exchange vehicle and insurance information with the other car owners.
Take photos of the damage, as recommended by the USAA website. This is especially important when dealing with USAA, and it's a good idea to cover all bases.
The police will prepare a report based on witness testimony from you and the other drivers. This report will be used to help substantiate the facts of the case when the claim is reviewed.
Take a look at this: Sample Letter to Insurance Company for Car Accident Claim
Appealing Denied Applications
If your USAA insurance claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. You can file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance if you suspect the USAA is acting in bad faith.
The Department of Insurance can investigate the USAA's decision and determine if they wrongfully denied your claim. They will ask USAA to explain why they dismissed your claim.
You can file a complaint through the department's website or by sending a printed form to the Louisiana DOI Office of the Commissioner in Baton Rouge.
Consider reading: Insurance Denied Claim
Reasons for Denied Applications
If your application for a truck accident claim is denied, it's essential to understand the reasons behind the decision. Here are some possible explanations:
The insurance company may claim that the policyholder intentionally caused the trucking accident, which is not typically covered by the policy.
You may be surprised to learn that the policyholder's coverage limit cannot fully compensate for the damages accrued, often due to only paying premiums for the mandatory minimum limits.
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If the policyholder's policy was recently terminated or there was a lapse in coverage due to missed premium payments, it may be cited as a reason for the denied claim.
In some cases, the insurance company may argue that the policyholder's coverage limit is insufficient to cover the damages, leaving a gap in compensation.
Here are some common reasons for denied claims, summarized in a table:
What If My Appeal Is Dismissed?
If your appeal is dismissed, you can file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
The Department of Insurance can investigate the insurance company's decision and determine whether they wrongfully denied your claim. They will ask the insurance company to explain why they dismissed your appeal.
You can file the complaint through the department's website or by sending a printed form to the Louisiana DOI Office of the Commissioner in Baton Rouge.
After the office receives your claim, you will likely receive an acknowledgment notice within the week, along with the investigator's name and your case's file number.
You will also receive progress updates during the investigation, though you can also monitor it online with the file number.
Take a look at this: Sample Letter to Insurance Company for Claim Settlement
Recovering Damages
Recovering damages from USAA insurance can be a complex process, but it's possible with the right guidance. If the Department of Insurance successfully proves that USAA was wrong in denying your claim, you can recover the damages owed.
You may be able to recover additional damages for the breach of duty by USAA, which could be up to twice the value of your accident damages. This is in addition to recovering damages for your truck accident-related costs.
In some cases, USAA may argue that you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident, which could impact the amount of damages you receive. However, if you follow the right steps immediately after an auto accident, you can support your claim and increase your chances of getting the coverage you need.
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Recovering Damages After a Successful Investigation
If the Department of Insurance successfully proves that USAA was wrong in denying your truck accident claim, you can recover the damages owed. You'll still need to consider the fault percentage assigned to you by the claims adjuster, which may reduce your total damages.
The Department of Insurance has no say over who's more liable, only that your claim is valid. This means you may still be partially responsible for the accident.
You can recover additional damages for the breach of duty by USAA, which could be either $5,000 or an amount equivalent to twice your accident damages, depending on the greater value.
Doesn't Have to Pay Off a Workers' Compensation Lien
USAA may argue that their PIP insurance doesn't have to pay off a workers' compensation lien, which could put less money in your pocket.
This is because USAA has a reputation for making this argument, and they may claim that since workers' compensation is already paying your bills and lost wages, you shouldn't need to use your PIP insurance.
If you don't give your medical providers your USAA PIP information, you might miss out on a potential source of payment for your medical bills.
As with larger insurers, USAA adjusters tend to be more educated than those at smaller insurers, which can make it harder to navigate the system and get the compensation you deserve.
$100,000 Reward
A $100,000 reward can be a lifesaver for those who've been injured in an accident. In one case, a bike rider was hit by a pickup truck in Cooper City, Florida, and suffered facial fractures and collapsed lungs.
This rider was taken to the hospital and later hired a lawyer who gave them a free consultation. The lawyer was able to secure a $100,000 insurance payout from USAA, which insured the pickup truck with $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage.
The key to recovering damages is having the right insurance coverage in place. In this case, USAA's $100,000 policy limit was sufficient to cover the rider's medical expenses.
It's essential to document the accident scene and gather evidence to support your claim. A lawyer can help you navigate this process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
A different take: Insurance Claim Lawyer Cost
Alternative Complaint Options
If the complaint doesn't work, you still have options to pursue. You can file a civil lawsuit directly against the at-fault party, which can result in the court ordering them to compensate you regardless of their liability coverage or insurance status.
In a civil lawsuit, the liable party may have to use their own cash and personal assets to repay you. This can be a lengthy and costly process, which is why they might propose settling the dispute privately through arbitration instead.
Arbitration can be a faster and more private way to resolve the dispute, but it's essential to consult a truck accident attorney first to review the situation and determine the best course of action. They can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
Additional reading: How to Dispute a False Insurance Claim
Auto Insurance Settlements
Auto insurance settlements can be complex and vary greatly in value. The average settlement with USAA in a personal injury case is around $128,333, but this number can be skewed by cases with higher liability limits.
Most USAA policies have much lower limits, typically under $300,000. However, in one case, a policyholder was able to settle for $300,000, which is the full liability limit. This highlights the importance of having sufficient insurance coverage.
The type of injury also plays a significant role in determining the settlement value. In one case, a client's broken wrist required surgery, which greatly increased the value of the case, resulting in a $200,000 settlement.
On a similar theme: Should I File a Claim with Liability Insurance
$300,000 Auto
A $300,000 USAA auto insurance claim settlement is a significant outcome for an accident victim. This amount was paid out in a case where the at-fault driver had a $300,000 bodily injury liability insurance limit.
The settlement was reached within two months of the accident, but the insurance company initially played hardball. This shows that even with a large insurance policy, it's possible for the insurance company to delay payment.
Most USAA policies are for much less than $300,000, which can impact the amount of compensation available to accident victims. This highlights the importance of knowing the details of the at-fault driver's insurance policy.
In another case, a driver who was t-boned by another car received a $200,000 settlement with USAA, despite the at-fault driver's policy only having a $100,000 bodily injury liability limit. This shows that surgery can greatly increase the full value of a car accident injury case.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How to File Insurance Claim against Other Driver without Insurance
Average Personal Injury Case Settlement
The average personal injury case settlement can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case. My average personal injury settlement with USAA was $128,333 in 2021 and through January 2022.
One third of my personal injury settlements with USAA were for $300,000. The rest were for under $300,000. I tend to take seriously injured cases, which may contribute to the higher average settlement amount.
USAA tends to pay better than other car insurance companies, such as Progressive, State Farm, and GEICO. I've seen that USAA has a reputation for paying better than these companies in the personal injury part of a claim.
USAA's goal is to pay you as little as possible, just like any insurance company.
Expand your knowledge: How to Negotiate a Settlement with an Insurance Claims Adjuster
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is USAA at paying claims?
USAA has higher customer satisfaction ratings than average, but may undervalue personal injury claims without proper representation. If you're considering a claim, it's essential to understand how USAA handles them.
How long does USAA take to settle a claim?
USAA car accident claims can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of years to finalize. The settlement process time varies, so it's best to check with USAA for a more accurate estimate.
Do lawyers handle insurance claims?
Yes, lawyers can assist with navigating the insurance claims process, especially in complex cases involving injuries or property damage. They can help you understand your rights and options.
Sources
- https://onmyside.com/faqs/truck-accident-claim-denied-by-usaa/
- https://www.justinziegler.net/usaa-united-services-automobile-association-insurance-claims/
- https://florinroebig.com/car-accidents/sue-car-insurance-company/usaa/
- https://www.reyeslaw.com/blog/dealing-with-a-usaa-auto-accident-claim/
- https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-car-accident-attorney/filing-car-accident-claims-usaa-insurance/
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