If you're involved in a car accident, chances are you'll end up making some kind of claim for injury or vehicle damage (maybe both). That claim can get resolved in a number of ways, usually by a settlement that you receive from the at-fault driver's car insurance carrier. But some accidents involve claims made through your own insurance coverage, especially if you live in a "no-fault" state. In this section, we'll explain how car insurance comes into play in a car accident case, and what to expect during the claim process.
Your state’s minimum mandatory car insurance coverages won’t go very far, especially if you cause a serious wreck. And there are other types of car insurance you should consider, too.
If someone borrows your car, are they covered under your car insurance policy? What if you want to add a car to your existing coverage?
PIP insurance will cover some of the costs of your car accident injury, no matter who was at fault. Learn more about how it works and whether you need it.
If you don’t carry mandatory car insurance, you could face penalties even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
An in-depth look at who may be considered a covered "permissive use" driver under your car insurance policy.
You're required to have your own auto insurance as a rideshare driver, but will Uber’s or Lyft's insurance also protect you?
The other driver's coverage, your own insurance, and policy limits might all come into play after a car accident.
Tips on making a claim under your own policy when the at-fault driver has no (or not enough) car insurance coverage.
If a car insurance carrier —yours or the other driver's—isn't playing fair, you may have legal options.
The interplay of your health insurance and car insurance coverage after a car accident.
Statements you make at the car accident scene can be used against you in the car insurance claim process.
Getting your hands on the right documentation can be crucial to your car accident case. This checklist can help.
If you've been injured in a car accident, what kind of information should you get from eyewitnesses to the crash?
Keeping a steady stream of notes about your car accident and your injuries can strengthen your claim to ensure a fair settlement.
Having the right witness—and making sure he or she is credible—can make or break your car accident claim.
Car insurance claims aren't usually subject to a one-size-fits-all deadline; the timeline typically hinges on your car insurance company’s ability to investigate your claim.
It’s usually not a good idea to talk to the other driver’s insurance company after a car accident, unless you're making a claim with them.
Don't settle your car accident claim until you've finished being treated for your injuries, or you have a thorough understanding of the future care you'll need.
Read this before you sign a release and agree to the insurance company's settlement offer after a car accident.
Here's how to get the most from your car accident settlement.
Find out when you can exclude personal injury damages from your federal taxable income.
Your own no-fault insurance usually covers your car accident injuries regardless of who caused the crash, but a lawsuit against the at-fault driver might still be possible.
No-fault car insurance is meant to streamline the claims process after a car accident, but getting compensation isn't always guaranteed.
There might not be a universal settlement formula, but insurers often use a "multiplier" method to estimate the value of a car accident claim.
Income lost because of your car accident injuries is a recoverable component of your claim, but you'll need the right documentation.
Even after a minor car accident, any injury claim will likely include at least some compensation for "pain and suffering."
It’s tough to predict the amount of a whiplash settlement, but here’s what to keep in mind as you seek compensation.
The right lawyer can be key in getting the best outcome for your car accident claim.
Here's how contingency fees work in a car accident case, and the percentage you can expect your lawyer to take out of your financial recovery.
Tips for "encouraging" a prompt response from the insurance company, and a look at your options if you don't get one.
A look at your options if the insurance adjuster doesn't respond to your car accident injury demand letter, or if the counter-offer is unreasonable.
What should your car accident injury claim demand letter look like if you and the other side disagree on who caused the crash?
If you're putting together a demand letter after a car accident that left you with minor injuries, use this sample letter as a model.
Here is an example of what a demand letter might look like in a car accident claim where the crash resulted in serious injury.
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At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.