Car Accident Settlements and Car Insurance

Types of Car Insurance Coverage

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.

Car Insurance: What Drivers and Vehicles are Covered?

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?

What You Should Know About Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Car Insurance Claims

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're In a Car Accident and Uninsured

If you don’t carry mandatory car insurance, you could face penalties even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

"Permissive Use" Car Insurance Coverage

An in-depth look at who may be considered a covered "permissive use" driver under your car insurance policy.

What Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Need to Know About Car Insurance?

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 Role of Insurance In a Car Accident Case

The other driver's coverage, your own insurance, and policy limits might all come into play after a car accident.

When to Make an Underinsured or Uninsured Driver Insurance Claim

Tips on making a claim under your own policy when the at-fault driver has no (or not enough) car insurance coverage.

Car Accident Claims and Bad Faith Failure to Settle

If a car insurance carrier —yours or the other driver's—isn't playing fair, you may have legal options.

Using Health Insurance for Car Accident Injuries

The interplay of your health insurance and car insurance coverage after a car accident.

Be Careful What You Say at the Scene of Your Car Accident

Statements you make at the car accident scene can be used against you in the car insurance claim process.

Evidence to Collect After a Car Accident

Getting your hands on the right documentation can be crucial to your car accident case. This checklist can help.

Questions for Car Accident Witnesses

If you've been injured in a car accident, what kind of information should you get from eyewitnesses to the crash?

Keep a Car Accident Diary to Protect Your Claim

Keeping a steady stream of notes about your car accident and your injuries can strengthen your claim to ensure a fair settlement.

How Witness Credibility Affects a Car Accident Claim

Having the right witness—and making sure he or she is credible—can make or break your car accident claim.

Car Insurance Deadlines: How Long After an Accident Can You File a 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.

Do I Have to Talk to the Other Driver's Car Insurance Company After an Accident?

If you've been in a car accident, it’s usually not a good idea to talk to the other driver’s car insurance company; at the very least, take caution.

Should I Wait Until I Reach MMI Before Accepting a Car Accident Settlement Offer?

It's never a good idea to settle your car accident claim until you've finished treating, or you at least have a well-defined understanding of the extent of your injuries and the future care you'll require.

Before You Sign a Release In Your Car Accident Claim

Read this before you sign a release and agree to the insurance company's settlement offer after a car accident.

Tips for Settling a Car Accident Claim

Here's how to get the most from your car accident settlement.

Do I Need to Pay Tax on a Car Accident Settlement or Judgment?

Find out when you can exclude personal injury damages from your federal taxable income.

How Does a No-Fault Car Insurance Claim Work?

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.

A No-Fault Claim Doesn't Guarantee a Settlement

No-fault car insurance is meant to streamline the claims process after a car accident, but getting compensation isn't always guaranteed.

Is There a Car Accident Settlement Formula?

There might not be a universal settlement formula, but insurers often use a "multiplier" method to estimate the value of a car accident claim.

Lost Wages In Car Accident Claims

Income lost because of your car accident injuries is a recoverable component of your claim, but you'll need the right documentation.

Is Pain and Suffering Awarded After a "Minor" Car Accident?

Even after a seemingly minor crash, your claim will likely include a "pain and suffering" component. Here's how it works.

How to Get the Best Whiplash Car Accident Settlement

It’s tough to predict the amount of a whiplash settlement, but here’s what to keep in mind as you seek compensation.

How an Attorney Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim

The right lawyer can be key in getting the best outcome for your car accident claim.

What is the Standard Contingency Fee for a Car Accident Lawyer?

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.

When Should the Car Insurance Company Respond to My Demand Letter?

Tips for "encouraging" a prompt response from the insurance company, and a look at your options if you don't get one.

The Insurance Company Isn't Responding To My Demand Letter: What Should I Do?

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.

Car Accident Where Fault is Disputed - Sample Demand Letter

If you're making a claim for injuries after a car accident, and the other party is disputing who was at fault, crafting a tough and persuasive demand letter becomes even more important.

Sample Demand Letter—Car Accident with Minor Injury

If you're putting together a demand letter after a car accident in which you suffered minor injuries, use this sample letter as a model.

Sample Demand Letter—Car Accident with Serious Injury

Here is an example of what a demand letter might look like in a car accident claim where the crash resulted in serious injury.