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Bodily Injury Claim Car Accident
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Personal Injury Demand Letter
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Car Accident Rear End Collision Damage Waiting Insurance Claim On Road Stock Image
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Your driving record is the main component that determines how much you pay for auto insurance. One accident can really cost you, especially if there is significant property and medical damage. Insurance premiums can increase by almost 50% after an accident claim, according to analysis by insurance comparison website The Zebra. As you can gather, many drivers agree to pay themselves for damages for minor accidents, but this is not always possible.
Multiple accidents and serious traffic violations can even force the insurer to deny you the next renewal. According to the Insurance Information Institute, increased premiums from an accident typically stay on your record for three years after a claim. However, things like DUIs and reckless driving convictions can set you back a lot more. If you need to get an SR-22, you can pay extra as long as the state requires it.
In general, it is better to report an accident to your insurance company than not, especially if another party is involved. But there are times when not filing a lawsuit makes more sense.
How Pain & Suffering Is Calculated In Car Accident Settlements
“Some of the key factors to consider when deciding whether or not to file a claim include property damage or bodily injury, what type of coverage you have, and the relationship between the parties involved,” explains Phalen Cox, personal attorney at Cox, Rodman & Middleton injury attorney.
However, this should not be confused with filing a police report. Especially if you were not at fault or the damage was minor, filing a police report now can protect you from false claims later. Here are some scenarios in which you should almost always file an auto insurance claim:
File a claim if your vehicle was extensively damaged in a single vehicle incident. Collision insurance will pay for your repairs for most single-car accidents, minus the deductible. If you do not have collision coverage, you will have to pay for the repairs out of your pocket. If you encounter a deer or other animal, your comprehensive car insurance will kick in.
Even if your car runs after an accident, small leaks or damage to parts of your engine can cause problems down the road. A repair shop can fix cosmetic problems, such as a dented bumper or fender, as well as interior problems. You also have a limited amount of time to file a claim. So be sure to contact your insurer immediately after the accident.
Key Points To Keep In Mind In Case Of Car Accident
If you damage someone else’s car in a serious collision and you are at fault, you should always file a claim. If someone else is at fault and offers to pay out of pocket, be careful. Unfortunately, it is easy to underestimate the cost of auto repair. You don’t want to get stuck trying to chase them down to make up for it later.
Exchange information at the scene of an accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, driver’s license and license plate numbers. Be sure to take pictures of all documents and report the accident to the police or highway patrol. Then notify your insurer as soon as possible. In short, make sure you file documents to protect yourself later.
Most states require auto liability insurance, which protects you from being at fault and will cover at least some of the damage (bodily or physical) caused by your fault. Even if the damage seems minor, not getting a police report is risky. Many experts also recommend taking photos at the time of the accident.
“If someone involved in an accident sues you weeks or months later, not reporting the incident will make it difficult for your insurer to gather evidence to represent you,” the Insurance Information Institute website.
Understanding Your Insurance Offer After An Accident
If multiple people are involved in the accident, get each person’s ID and insurance information. Liability coverage will cover bodily injury if you are at fault. Unfortunately, many injuries are not immediately apparent. Whiplash and muscle injuries can take days or even weeks to fully manifest.
Having an open claim and police report to confirm the accident helps drivers and passengers protect themselves from the “what ifs.” Pre-existing conditions can make this more likely to happen.
Some states have time limits for filing injury claims, usually 30 days, according to licensed insurance agent Dan Ferrara.
While filing a lawsuit for damages caused to others is always encouraged, there are times when you may want to consider not filing a lawsuit. Here are some of them.
Car Accident Injury Claim Process
If the minor accident involves only you and your car, a claim may not be necessary. For example, say you step on your mailbox again, which leaves a small dent in your car’s bumper. You may choose not to file a claim because the risk of increased premiums may not be worth it. The question for many drivers is how much it will cost compared to your deductible.
The cause of the accident determines how your claim proceeds. Some accidents involving a collision with a deer, street light, or other similar object will be covered by your comprehensive car insurance, not collision. Any claims you file factors into your total auto insurance premiums.
If the repair cost is less than your insurance policy deductible, it’s probably not worth filing a claim. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and there is no property damage, or the damage is less than the deductible, your rates will go up and stay high for at least three years. But you won’t get any compensation.
Also, let’s say the claim is a little more than your deductible. You will receive a small compensation by paying significantly higher premiums over several years. In this case, you can choose to pay the bill if you can afford it, Ferrara says.
Know Your Rights When Making A Personal Injury Claim
You can opt out of filing a claim if you hit another family member’s parked car and the cost of repairs is less than the deductible. You should still take pictures and document the damage at the time of the accident. However, it is dangerous to let things go with a stranger.
Unfortunately, strangers changed the story of what was at fault or later required repairs for unrelated damages or injuries. If you don’t have pictures and a police report, you have no way to combat the misinformation.
Some states require drivers to report accidents to the police. You still need to notify your insurance company about the accident. Although your insurer will notice the accident, you are not required to file a claim, Cox says.
As mentioned, you may not be able to file a claim if the accident was minor and only involved you and your vehicle, as your rates may increase. If you were not at fault in the accident, you cannot file a claim either. If the damage to your vehicle is minimal, the at-fault driver may be motivated to pay you directly. “Even if you’re not at fault, filing a lawsuit can still raise your premium,” says Cox.
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While making a claim to cover the damage to your car is always an option, it may not be your best financial choice. If you decide to file, go directly through the other driver’s insurance as much as possible. Your insurance may only respond if the problem is notified
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