Quick answer

If an insurer denies your injury claim after a minor accident in Washington, the typical path is: carefully read the denial, gather and organize medical and accident evidence, ask the insurer for a written explanation and an internal appeal or reconsideration, file a complaint with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner if the insurer won’t cooperate, and consider a private lawsuit (or small-claims case) before the applicable statute of limitations runs. This article explains each step and points to relevant Washington law and consumer resources.

Detailed answer: step-by-step guide under Washington law

1. Read the denial carefully and note deadlines

When you get a denial letter, it must state why the insurer denied the claim. Look for: (1) the specific reason for denial (medical causation, late notice, policy exclusion, insufficient evidence), (2) any appeal deadline or time limits set by the policy, and (3) contact information for the adjuster and the insurer’s appeal or dispute process.

2. Identify the denial reason and gather evidence

Match the insurer’s reason with the records you can produce. Typical evidence includes:

• Photos of vehicle damage, scene, and injuries
• Police report or collision report
• Medical records, treatment notes, emergency-room records, and bills
• Pay stubs or other proof of lost wages (if claimed)
• Witness statements and contact information

If the insurer says your injuries aren’t related to the crash, medical records and a doctor’s statement linking your injuries to the collision are most important.

3. Request an explanation and submit an internal appeal or reconsideration

Ask the insurer for a written explanation of the denial and the process to request reconsideration. Many policies and insurers have an internal appeal or review procedure. In that appeal you should:

• Summarize why the insurer’s reason is incorrect.
• Attach the key supporting documents (medical records, photos, reports).
• Keep copies of everything and send documents via tracked mail or email with delivery/read receipt.

4. Use the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)

If the insurer will not reverse a denial, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. The OIC cannot give legal advice but can investigate complaints about insurer practices, explain your rights, and sometimes help reach a resolution. File online and include copies of the denial letter, policy declarations, and supporting evidence.

File a complaint here: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/file-complaint

5. Consider an appraisal, arbitration, or independent medical examination (IME)

Some insurance policies include an appraisal clause for property damage or an agreement to use an IME to resolve medical disputes. Check your policy for any alternative dispute resolution steps you must take before suing.

6. Evaluate civil remedies and timelines

If the internal appeal and OIC complaint do not resolve the denial, you may file a lawsuit. Common causes of action include breach of contract (policy benefits) and claims based on unfair claim practices. Washington’s law addresses unfair insurance practices at Title 48 of the Revised Code of Washington; those statutes inform regulatory enforcement and consumer complaints. See RCW 48.30.010 for the chapter addressing unfair practices: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=48.30.010.

Note the statute of limitations for personal injury actions in Washington is generally three years from the date of injury. See RCW 4.16.080: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.16.080. Don’t wait to act—preserve your rights and evidence promptly.

7. Small claims or retained counsel?

For relatively small monetary disputes, small-claims court may be an efficient option. For disputes over medical causation or larger claims, a personal injury attorney can evaluate whether a lawsuit or settlement demand is appropriate. If you hire a lawyer, they can handle evidence collection, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation.

8. What to expect on timing and cost

Timelines vary. Internal appeals can take weeks to months. OIC complaint handling also varies depending on complexity. Litigation typically takes longer and costs more. Keep treating providers informed, and track all expenses, treatment dates, and missed work for your claim file.

9. Practical evidence tips

Document everything from the moment of the crash: photos, medical visits, and communications with the insurer. Early and consistent documentation is often the strongest way to overcome a denial for a minor accident injury.

Resources

• Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner — file a complaint: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/file-complaint
• Relevant Washington statutes on unfair insurance practices: RCW 48.30.010
• Washington statute of limitations for personal injury: RCW 4.16.080

Helpful Hints

• Respond fast. Preserve evidence and start medical treatment right away. Delays make denials harder to overcome.
• Read your policy. Note any language about notice requirements, appeal steps, appraisal, or arbitration.
• Get a clear medical nexus. A treating provider’s note connecting treatment to the crash helps establish causation.
• Keep a single organized claim folder (digital and paper) with records, photos, bills, and communications.
• Ask the insurer what evidence would change their decision; then try to provide that evidence.
• Use the OIC early if communications break down; they can often get a stalled claim reviewed.
• Watch deadlines: internal appeal windows, policy notice requirements, and the three-year statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.080 could apply.
• For low-dollar disputes, consider small-claims court; it’s faster and less expensive than full civil litigation.
• Before filing suit, get a brief attorney consultation to understand likely costs, potential recovery, and the strength of your medical causation evidence.