Car Accident Settlements and Car Insurance

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?

PIP or MedPay Car Insurance Claim Tips

After a car accident, you can make no-fault injury claims under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and/or your Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage.

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 carry liability insurance as a rideshare driver, but will Uber or Lyft's own 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.

Checklist of Records to Gather After a Car Accident

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

Gather Evidence to Help Your Car Accident Claim

Take these steps as soon as you can to preserve your legal rights and bolster any claim you end up filing over the accident.

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 Settlement

Read this before you sign a release and deposit the insurance company's check after a car accident.

Tips for Settling a Car Accident Claim

If you're making a vehicle damage claim or a claim for injury, here's how to get the most from your settlement.

What to Expect When Meeting With a Car Accident Attorney

Make the most out of your first meeting with a car accident attorney, and make sure this person is the best fit for you and your case.

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.

Car Accident Passenger Injury Claims in No-Fault States

Here's what injured passengers need to know after a car accident in one of the dozen or so no-fault car insurance states.

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.

No Fault Car Insurance: States with Monetary Thresholds

A number of no-fault car insurance state require that a certain amount of medical expenses be incurred before an injured person can step outside of the no-fault scheme.

No Fault Car Insurance: States with "Serious Injury" Thresholds

In a number of no-fault car insurance states, you can't file a liability claim against the at-fault driver unless your injuries qualify as "serious" under state law.

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

If you've lost income because of your car accident injuries, that's a recoverable component of your damages, but you'll need to back up your claim with 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.

Whiplash, Car Accidents, and Settlement Value

If you've got neck injuries after a car accident, don't call it "whiplash" if you want to get a fair personal injury settlement.

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 to Expect When Meeting With a Car Accident Attorney

Make the most out of your first meeting with a car accident attorney, and make sure this person is the best fit for you and your case.

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.

Writing an Effective Demand Letter in a Car Accident Case

A good demand letter can be key to getting a satisfactory injury settlement after a car accident.

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.