When Should I File a Claim After an Accident?

If you have been in an accident, you might be wondering what the process is for filing an injury claim. You will need to make sure you get the paperwork in order and contact the insurance company as soon as possible after being in an accident. Filing a claim will depend on the extent of the damage, the value of your vehicle, and the type of car insurance you have. 

Filing a Claim

If the repairs and expenses will exceed the out-of-pocket deductible, you always need to file a claim. On average, deductibles will cost you between $500 and $2,000. Filing a claim when you exceed the deductible will allow you to get the money you need to pay for the rest of your damages. 

While filing a claim isn’t necessary for lower-cost repairs, you might want to consider filing a claim anyway. Your injuries might need more care in the future. If you didn’t file a claim, your insurance will not recognize the damage in the future, and you will have to pay for all the damage. 

Financing the Car 

If you are still paying off the loan on the car, you will need to file a claim with the insurance. Most auto loan contracts require you to file claims even when there are minor accidents that are less than the deductible. 

If law enforcement submits an accident report, the auto loan company will always receive a copy of the report, so it’s better you file a claim before that happens. 

Car Accident Claims and Injuries 

Anytime there is an injury in the accident, you have to file a claim. This will allow you and the other person to get the medical care and emergency visits you need. 

If you don’t file a claim when there are injuries, you will also have to pay your medical bills at your own expense. If you end up having issues in the future or need physical therapy, you will have to pay all these expenses since the injury was never claimed with car insurance. 

At-Fault Accidents 

If you are found to be at fault for the accident, the liability coverage of your insurance will pay for medical bills and property damage for the other parties that were involved in the accident. It will also cover any legal expenses resulting from the accident.

Get Ahold of a Lawyer for Help Filing an Accident Claim

If you have been in an accident and need help filing a claim, call Pazner Law at 313-822-2244. You can also fill out the following online form to contact us.