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.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
When deciding on the right car insurance for your family's needs and your budget, keep in mind that you need to comply with your state's laws when it comes to minimum coverage.
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.
I Was In an Accident With an Uninsured Driver; Now What?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage and other forms of insurance can help, but a lawsuit against an uninsured driver can be a dead end.
"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.
Will I Need to Attend an Independent Medical Examination as Part of My Car Accident Claim?
If you’re asking for compensation for injuries as a part of your car accident claim, your personal doctor’s opinion may not be enough to prove your case.
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 made at the scene of a car accident can come back to haunt you.
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
It's one of the best ways to remember important details and 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.
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.
How Is Pain and Suffering Determined In a Car Accident Case?
It's challenging to put a dollar value on subjective harm like "pain and suffering" after a car accident.
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.