Car accidents can happen anytime on road with anyone . It doesn’t matter if it was a small accident but a big one can change your life permanently in a few seconds . Many people feel shocked, scared, or confused at this moment . But what should you do next ? and how do you recover from this ?
After any accident, your first aim or priority is taking care of your health . If you did not feel any pain immediately, doesn’t mean that you are okay . After an accident many people feels pain after some hours or even after some days .
If you feels any pain, don’t wait. Visit a doctor as soon as possible.
In some states like Florida, there have a 14-days rule or policy after a accident . If you didn't visit to a doctor within 14 days after the car accident, you may lose the chance to get money ( PIP benefits) for your medical bills . So visit the doctor as soon as possible after the car accident .
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
Statute of limitations means last date to file a legal case after the car accident in United States . If you miss the last date to file a legal case after the car accident so you will lose the right to get the money .
Some states have different rules like in Virginia, you have 2 years from the car accident to file a legal case . After that — no case allowed .
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Can I make a claim after 3 years? |
If a child is injured in the car accident so you will get 2 years to file a legal case while your child turn 18 . If someone dies in an car accident, the time will starts from the date of death — not from the accident date .
How Long Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim?
It is very important to know that some states give you some days to report the car accident. Like:
- New York: 30 days
- Michigan: 1 year
Filing a claim of car accident is not same as filing a normal court case . First, you file a claim in your insurance company then they check and offer a settlement . If you agree with the amount - case closed . If not, then you can file a case in court .
Talk with a Lawyer Quickly!
If you are confused or scared to talk with the insurance company . A good lawyer can helps you to :
- File your claim after car accident .
- Talk with the insurance company .
- Get the best settlement .
- File a court case if needed for you .
Lawyers can also help you to get a " tolling agreement ". This means you will get some extra time to file your case .
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What If You Are Too Late?
If you file a legal case after the deadline so the insurance company can ask the court to close your case and the court may agree . You may lose your chance to get money if you file a case after the deadline .
But in some cases, you may still get time. Like if:
- The person who caused the accident leaves the state
- You were a minor
- You were sick or in jail and couldn’t file
So, don’t wait and take a risk. Always talk to a lawyer and file on time.
Car accidents are very scary and painful for all . But you can minimize your pain with the right steps . First, take care of your health . Then file a legal claim as soon as possible . And if you are confused so you can talk with a lawyer fast . Lawyer will talk with the insurance company and help you to get money that you deserve .
FAQ :
How long after an accident can I make a claim?
Ans. Usually you have 3 years to file a legal insurance claim . This time will starts from the first day of your accident . But in some state have limitation period to file a legal case . If you wait too long after the car accident, you may lose your chance to claim your insurance money . So, don’t delay - file a legal case as soon as possible .
What is the longest a settlement can take?
Ans. Getting a settlement (money after your injury) after the car accident can take a few weeks or even more than five years . If your case is too simple, like a car accident where someone hit you from behind at this time case will finish quickly . But if the case is complicated, like a mistake make by a doctor at this situation it can take many years to get the settlement .
Can I make a claim after 3 years?
Ans. No, you can't claim insurance after 3 years . Usually you have up to 3 years to file a case. This time will starts from the first day of your car accident . So don’t wait too long to file a legal case or talk with the insurance company so you will miss the change to claim your insurance money.
What's the most a lawyer can take from a settlement?
Ans. No matter how much money you get from insurance company, your lawyer will take a part of it . This is known as contingency fee . It means your lawyer will get paid if you win the case . Usually, they take one-third (33.3%) of the money that you receive from insurance company . Sometimes, but very rarely a lawyer may agree to take your case for free .
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