“Car Crash Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know”
Car Crash Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know
It’s every driver’s worst nightmare: being involved in a car crash. It doesn’t matter if it was your fault or someone else’s, the incident can be incredibly traumatic. From dealing with medical bills and vehicle repairs to figuring out who’s responsible for paying for them, navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to understand the ins and outs of car crash insurance claims.
What is an Insurance Claim?
An insurance claim is a request for payment that you submit to your insurance company after suffering a loss covered by your policy. In other words, it’s a way of recouping some of the costs associated with an accident or any other covered loss.
When it comes to car crashes, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company if their negligence contributed to the accident. If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, then you will have to file a claim with your own insurance company.
What Damages Can I Claim?
The damages you can seek compensation for will vary depending on the type of coverage you have and the state you live in. Generally speaking, though, most car crash insurance claims cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage (e.g., vehicle repair costs), and pain and suffering.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
In some cases, hiring an experienced lawyer can give you an advantage when filing a car crash insurance claim. A lawyer can help ensure that all of your losses are accurately accounted for in your claim and that you’re receiving fair compensation for them from the other party’s insurance company. They can also handle all of the paperwork and negotiations associated with filing a car crash claim so that you don’t have to worry about it yourself.
It’s important to note that many lawyers work on contingency fees, meaning they won’t get paid until (and unless) they win your case. This makes legal assistance more affordable than you might think.
How Long Does It Take?
The amount of time it takes for an insurance company to process a car crash claim will vary depending on several factors including the complexity of the case and how quickly the other party responds to requests for information or documentation. Generally speaking, though, most claims are settled within six months or less.
Bottom Line
It pays to be prepared when it comes to filing an insurance claim after a car crash. Knowing what damages are covered by your policy as well as understanding when it makes sense to hire an attorney can help make sure that all of your losses are properly accounted for when filing an insurance claim after a car accident.