Most drivers purchase automobile insurance with one expectation: if they’re involved in a serious accident, the insurance company will be there to help. Unfortunately, that expectation is becoming increasingly uncertain.

A recent Wall Street Journal investigation found that auto insurers are denying a growing percentage of liability and medical claims. According to the Journal’s analysis of insurance regulatory filings, approximately 45% of resolved liability and medical claims resulted in no payment in 2025, a significant increase from about 35% a decade ago.

For injured victims and their families, these statistics highlight an unfortunate reality: obtaining fair compensation after a serious accident is becoming more difficult.

Why Are More Claims Being Denied?

The insurance industry points to several reasons for the increase, including fraud prevention efforts, more complex claims, and increased litigation. Consumer advocates, however, argue that insurers have become more aggressive in scrutinizing claims and enforcing policy conditions as they seek to control costs and improve profitability.

Whatever the reason, the result is often the same: injured people who believed they had insurance protection suddenly find themselves facing unexpected obstacles.

Some denials arise from disputes over:

• Policy exclusions
• Household member disclosure requirements
• Questions regarding coverage
• Alleged application errors
• Liability disputes
• Medical necessity of treatment

Even relatively minor technical issues can become the basis for denying coverage.

The Financial Stakes Have Never Been Higher

Today’s motor vehicle accidents are significantly more expensive than they were just a few years ago.

Medical treatment costs continue to rise. Modern vehicles equipped with sophisticated safety technology are more expensive to repair. Serious injuries often require months—or years—of rehabilitation.

At the same time, many states continue to require only relatively low minimum liability insurance limits that may not adequately compensate victims after a significant crash. Recent analyses have concluded that many statutory minimum coverage limits have failed to keep pace with modern medical costs and vehicle repair expenses.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies have experienced adjusters, investigators, and attorneys evaluating claims from the moment an accident is reported.

Accident victims deserve someone protecting their interests as well.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help:

• Conduct an independent investigation.
• Preserve critical evidence.
• Identify all available insurance coverage.
• Challenge improper claim denials.
• Document the full extent of medical damages and future losses.
• Negotiate with insurers from a position of strength.
• File suit when necessary to pursue full compensation.

Many legitimate claims that initially encounter resistance can be resolved through careful preparation, effective advocacy, and, when appropriate, litigation.

Protect Yourself After an Accident

If you’ve been involved in a collision, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights:

• Report the accident promptly.
• Seek appropriate medical care immediately.
• Follow your physician’s recommendations.
• Keep copies of medical records, bills, and correspondence.
• Avoid giving recorded statements without understanding your rights.
• Consult an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement or assuming a denial is final.

Early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in preserving evidence and identifying all potential sources of recovery.

How Coffman Law Can Help

At Coffman Law, we understand that a serious accident affects every aspect of your life. Our job is to help level the playing field when insurance companies dispute liability, undervalue injuries, or deny legitimate claims.

We investigate the facts, build compelling cases, and fight to obtain the compensation our clients deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile, trucking, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, don’t assume the insurance company’s first answer is the final one.

Contact Coffman Law today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

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