How Long Do I Have to File a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?

There is no universal deadline for filing an auto insurance claim; instead, it depends on how quickly your insurance provider can complete its investigation. You should register a claim as soon as possible if you’ve been hurt in a car crash of any type. This is because there are statutes of limitations that must be met before you can pursue a financial claim. Not to mention, the longer you wait, the more challenging it may get for you to win your case.

In This Article:

• What Is An Insurance Claim?
• What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Lawsuit?
• What Are The Implications Of Waiting Too Long To Submit A Claim?
• The Importance of Filing an Insurance Claim Promptly
• What Should I Do Before Submitting An Insurance Claim?
• How Do Insurance Companies Handle Claim Payments?
• What to do Before Your Claims Settle
• We Offer Non-Recourse Lawsuit Loans

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What Is An Insurance Claim?

In the event of insured losses or damages, policyholders can submit claims with their insurers to seek financial compensation. Automobile accidents, property damage from storms, and unexpected medical procedures are just some of the covered events covered by various types of insurance. It is important for policyholders to review their policies thoroughly to understand the losses and events for which they are compensated. A seasoned insurance agent will also be able to assist clients understand everything.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Lawsuit?

The effects of a vehicle crash on a victim might linger for a long time after the incident has occurred. Some people get injuries from vehicle accidents that could last a lifetime. The short window of opportunity to pursue legal action following an automobile crash is unequal to the severity of your injuries. The statute of limitations is the time restriction set by law within which a claim or lawsuit must be filed. 

Different types of claims, such as those for personal injury or property damage, have different time limits. The statute of limitations for vehicle accident claims in some jurisdictions, such as New York and North Carolina, is three years from the date of the accident. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages. If you don’t, the judge is likely to dismiss your claim. The typical time restriction before legal action must be taken is two years in states like Georgia, Delaware, and California. Before filing a claim or lawsuit, you should research your state’s statute of limitations.

What Are The Implications Of Waiting Too Long To Submit A Claim?

It might be more difficult for your insurer to examine a claim if you wait too long to file one. As a result, the likelihood of your claim being rejected may rise. Your car insurance policy can stipulate that you have to file a claim within the first 24 hours after damage occurs. Even if you or another motorist waits months or years to submit a claim or lawsuit, doing so is still within the bounds of the law. 

This is because the symptoms of some injuries and forms of mechanical damage don’t appear until days or weeks after the event has occurred. Insurance companies may view you or the other driver with suspicion if you delay filing a claim. They will look into whether or not the damage was caused by the covered accident. They can decline coverage if they have reasonable doubts about your claim.

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The Importance of Filing an Insurance Claim Promptly

If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, filing an insurance claim as soon as possible is in everyone’s best interest, including your own. That’s because it’ll be less difficult to collect data in the event of an accident, and investigators will be better able to use it. If you start the claim procedure immediately after an accident, you will have more time to collect evidence and gather witness statements before your memory of the incident fades.

What Should I Do Before Submitting An Insurance Claim?

Report the incident to your insurance company without delay: Even if the motorist is not at fault and the damage seems minimal, they still need to report it. If the incident is insured, the insurer can also let the policyholder know.

• Claims can be submitted using the company’s mobile app. Policyholders may now file a claim, provide supporting documentation, and track the status of their claim using an app offered by the vast majority of insurance companies.
• Find out what proof is needed for a claim by reading the following: Among these are a police report copy and a “proof of claim” form.
• Don’t forget the due date! Time limits for submitting insurance claims are set by insurers to combat fraud.
• Check to see whether you are covered for rental cars: This is crucial if the policyholder has to have their car fixed and is unable to use it during that time.
• Provide the insurance company with all requested details: To ensure that their claims are processed quickly, drivers should complete all necessary forms accurately and keep “thorough and organized records” of all relevant information.

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Claim Payments?

Who gets the money from an auto insurance claim typically depends on the nature of the claim and who was at fault. The other motorist will get compensation if the policyholder is found to be legally responsible for the accident and files a responsibility claim. When a policyholder files a collision claim, the insurance company foots the bill for necessary repairs.

What to do Before Your Claims Settle

While you await your lawsuit outcome, a pre-settlement advance might help you pay for day-to-day expenditures. Because insurance companies and defense attorneys know that financially struggling plaintiffs are more likely to settle for less money, a lawsuit loan can give you more negotiating power when settling a case.

We Offer Non-Recourse Lawsuit Loans

Do you need non-recourse settlement loans to pay bills before your car accident case settles? Contact us today at High Rise Financial to schedule an initial consultation. Our lawsuit funding experts can enlighten you about your available settlement loan options. 

Call or text (877) 735-0016 or fill out our form to apply today for free.