What to Expect if You Don’t Call Your Insurance Right After a Car Accident
Failing to contact your insurance company shortly after being in a car accident can lead to them denying your claim. Waiting to contact your insurance company can also make it more difficult for the insurance company to investigate your case, which could lead to you receiving a lower settlement amount.
When to Inform Your Insurance Company of a Car Accident
There isn’t a set timeline for how long you have to notify an insurance company that you were in an accident. This varies, depending on your insurance provider. It’s always a good idea to review your policy as soon as you sign it to know what steps you must take. Your insurance policy will also list any inclusions and exclusions.
Many insurance companies require that you notify them promptly. This is vague, however, but usually translates to as soon as possible. Some insurance companies require that you notify them of a car accident within 30 days.
You should also notify your insurance company regardless of who’s at fault. The state of New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means that your insurance company is responsible for your damages, even if you’re at fault.
Finally, filing an insurance claim can be a form of proof if you later decide to pursue a personal injury case. If you sustain a lot of expensive damages or painful injuries, you may file a personal injury claim to cover any costs the insurance company doesn’t. Without a prompt claim with your insurance provider, the other legal team may question how bad the accident really was.
What to Expect After Filing a Claim
After filing an insurance claim, you can expect the following things to occur:
- The insurance company will send an adjuster to your location
- The insurance adjuster will evaluate your damages
- The insurance adjuster will provide you with an initial estimate of repairs
- You take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it repaired
Of course, some situations may slow down the claims process. It’s possible that you and the insurance company may disagree as to the full cost of damages. If your damages exceed the value of your car and you have full coverage, the insurance company may send a payoff check to the loan provider or you instead.
It’s also possible that the insurance company won’t cover the full cost of your damages. Your policy typically has maximums; the damages could exceed that amount if you’re in a bad car accident. If this happens, it may be worth it to reach out to a personal injury lawyer. Filing a personal injury claim can help you collect the funds you need to deal with the consequences of a car accident.
Similar to the time limits you have for filing an insurance claim, there are also limits on how long you have to file a personal injury claim. New Jersey limits personal injury claims to just two years from the date of the accident. While this may initially seem like enough time to file your claim, it often goes by fast as you deal with recovery.
Contact a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC represent clients injured because of a car accident in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
