“10 Shocking Facts About Car Crash Claims That You Need to Know”
When you’re involved in a car crash, it can be an incredibly traumatic and confusing experience. Not only do you have to worry about the damage to your vehicle and the potential medical costs associated with any injuries, but you also need to consider the legal implications of the accident. In order to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any losses that may have been incurred, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of car crash claims. Here are 10 shocking facts about car crash claims that you need to know.
1. You Can File a Claim Even if You Don’t Have Insurance – Although having insurance can make filing a car crash claim much simpler, it is not a requirement. If you don’t possess insurance coverage, you can still file a claim against the other driver, as long as they are found to be at fault for the accident.
2. Statute of Limitations Varies by State – Depending on where your accident occurred, there may be a time limit in which you must file your claim or risk losing out on any potential compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations and it varies from state-to-state.
3. You Must Prove Fault – Before any compensation can be awarded, it must be proven that another driver was at fault for the accident in question. This means providing evidence such as photos or witness statements that outlines who was responsible for causing the crash and any resulting damage or injury.
4. You May Be Entitled to Additional Damages – In addition to being compensated for property damage, medical bills, and lost wages due to missed work days following the accident, you may also be able to receive additional damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages in some cases.
5. The Other Driver’s Insurance Company May Deny Your Claim – It is not uncommon for auto insurance companies to deny claims even when they are completely valid and backed up by evidence. In these instances, it is best to contact an experienced lawyer who can help you resolve this issue and fight for your right to compensation.
6. Settlement Offers Should Be Reviewed Carefully – When an insurance company makes a settlement offer, it is important that you review it carefully before accepting or rejecting it. It is often beneficial to have an experienced lawyer review these offers as they may contain language that could be detrimental to your case or lead to less than what you are entitled to receive in terms of compensation.
7. You Don’t Have To Accept an Insurance Company’s Valuation – If an insurance company attempts to value your vehicle lower than its actual worth following an accident, this doesn’t mean you have to accept this amount—you have every right to dispute their valuation if necessary and seek out an independent appraisal if required in order to prove your case.
8. Missing Documents Could Delay Your Claim – If there are documents missing from your claim such as police reports or medical bills related to your injuries following an accident, then this could slow down the process significantly until these documents are provided in full.
9. Personal Injury Protection Benefits May Be Available – Depending on where your accident occurred, there may also be personal injury protection benefits available which could provide additional coverage for medical expenses related directly or indirectly with the car crash itself (e.g., lost wages due to missed work days).
10. An Experienced Lawyer Is Your Best Ally – Navigating a car crash claim can be a complex process with many factors at play so having an experienced lawyer on your side will ensure that all possibilities are explored thoroughly with minimal stress on your part throughout the process of seeking out rightful compensation for all losses incurred due to the accident itself