Numerous Massachusetts residents are involved in motor vehicle accidents every day. Thankfully, most of these accidents are only minor fender benders, but some are on the extreme side. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if an accident is a minor or major event, victims or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members depend on insurance providers to take care of them. Sadly, that does not always happen. Insurance disputes are all too common following motor vehicle accidents.

Typically, to start an insurance claim, one should call and report the car accident to the insurance provider — whether it is one’s own or the other driver’s — right away, or at least within a day of the incident. After a claim is opened, the insurer will open a case and investigate the matter. Depending on the details of the event, some level of compensation may be offered, or relief may be completely denied.

If one’s claim does not receive approval or a seemingly unfair amount of compensation is offered, that does not mean relief is unattainable. It may be possible to go through the appeals process in an effort to get the insurance provider to cover more of one’s losses. Anyone who wishes to appeal will need to start the process relatively quickly or risk losing the opportunity.

There are several reasons why motor vehicle accident insurance claims may be denied, or why full and fair compensation may be withheld. No matter the reason, if one disagrees with the provider’s position, it is okay to fight for what one thinks is right. Under the right circumstances, legal counsel can help resolve insurance disputes by trying to negotiate better settlement terms. If that does not work in one’s favor, litigation may be what is necessary to resolve the matter.