Have you been injured in a car accident in Columbus, Georgia? Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can help when you call (706) 940-4030. We offer a free consultation with a Columbus car accident lawyer, giving you the chance to discuss your situation and get guidance on your next steps.
Car accidents can turn life upside down in seconds, but the insurance claim process drags on for weeks or months. Once your claim finally closes, it may feel like the ordeal is over—but what happens if new injuries show up later or unexpected expenses arise?
While most closed claims stay shut, there are exceptions that may apply to your case.
Why Choose Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for Help With a Closed Car Accident Claim
At Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to standing up for accident victims and ensuring they have the support they need when facing difficult insurance battles. Here’s why clients in Columbus, GA, choose our firm:
- Our personal injury attorney brings over 26 years of experience to clients navigating complex insurance claim challenges.
- We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury victims across Georgia since the firm’s founding.
- We take a hands-on approach, carefully reviewing policy details and uncovering facts that may create opportunities for fairer outcomes.
- When there is a viable path to reopening your case, our attorneys pursue it with diligence; when there is not, we provide honest guidance so you can move forward with confidence.
We have built a reputation for combining deep legal knowledge with genuine client care. If you need trusted representation, call today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus personal injury attorney.
When Can You Reopen a Closed Car Insurance Claim?
Although most closed car insurance claims stay closed, there are exceptions. Circumstances where you might be able to reopen a claim include the following:
- Your case involves multiple liable parties: If new information reveals that more than one party was at fault, you may have grounds to pursue compensation beyond the original settlement. However, most settlements include language waiving further claims, so legal review is essential.
- There were mistakes or fraud in the settlement agreement: If your insurer made errors, misrepresentations, or omitted crucial details during settlement, you could have a case for reopening. For example, if the payout amount was miscalculated or you were given false information, that may invalidate the agreement.
- You never signed a release of liability: A claim isn’t truly closed until you sign an official release. If you haven’t signed anything or if the agreement was only verbal, your claim may still be open to negotiation or further legal action.
- There was a failure of payment by the at-fault party: Sometimes, settlements hinge on payments that never arrive. If the at-fault party or their insurer fails to deliver the promised funds, your claim may be eligible for reopening or further legal recourse.
- Newly discovered injuries or damages are involved: Some injuries take time to show up, and repair costs may be underestimated at first. If you experience complications, discover additional vehicle damage, or find new evidence that changes the value of your claim, it’s worth speaking to a lawyer. While insurers rarely reopen closed claims without pressure, new facts sometimes provide leverage.
While most closed car insurance claims remain final, there are certain situations where reopening may be possible.
What Is a Closed Insurance Claim?
A closed claim means the insurance company considers your request for compensation resolved. This typically happens after you accept a settlement and sign a release. However, claims can also be closed administratively, such as when paperwork is incomplete or you haven’t responded within set deadlines.
In some cases, an “administratively closed” claim can be reopened with a simple request or by providing missing information.
What To Do if Your Insurance Company Refuses To Reopen Your Claim
If your insurer flat-out refuses to reopen your claim, do not take their word as final. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Insurance companies sometimes rely on the hope that you won’t fight back or review your legal rights. Your lawyer will scrutinize the policy, settlement agreement, and all communications to identify any breach or act of bad faith that gives you recourse.
If the insurer is acting unfairly or breaking the terms of your policy, your attorney may be able to build a case for additional compensation or even punitive damages in extreme cases.
Other Reasons To Revisit a Closed Claim
Insurance payouts are often based on estimates made in the immediate aftermath of an accident. If you later realize your losses were greater, whether due to delayed-onset injuries, unexpected medical bills, or missed evidence, don’t assume it’s too late.
Even if reopening the claim isn’t possible, your lawyer may identify alternative ways to pursue compensation, such as suing other liable parties or exploring underinsured motorist coverage.
Speak With a Columbus Car Accident Attorney About Reopening Your Insurance Claim
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm helps clients in Columbus, Georgia, find answers after a car accident, even when the insurance company says your claim is closed for good. We know where to look for exceptions, how to challenge bad faith practices, and when to push back against premature settlements.
If you believe your closed claim deserves a second look, don’t wait. Call us for a free, no-obligation case review with a Columbus car accident lawyer. The path forward may not be obvious, but with the right legal guidance, you have more options than you think.
