How long after a car accident can you wait to file a claim?

auto accident lawyer Trenton, NJAuto Accident Lawyer Trenton, NJ

 

Getting into any type of car accident can cause undue stress on your life whether it’s from injuries or medical bills that were a result of this accident.  As an auto accident lawyer Trenton, NJ trusts, we at Davis & Brusca, LLC know this all too well. However, regardless of who is at fault for the car accident, there are a few items that should be taken care of relatively quickly. First and foremost, you should seek medical attention for any injuries your or your passengers sustained.  Reporting the accident to the authorities and your insurance company are also important, but nothing is more important that your health.

How long after the accident do you have to report the accident to your insurer?  How long do you have to file a lawsuit?  How do you handle the medical bills for your treatment?  The law office of Davis & Brusca, LLC is here to help you answer questions like these, and below you will find answers to some of the most frequent questions we receive:

How long after the accident do you have to report it?

All motor vehicle accidents involving injury or significant property damage (generally over $500) must be reported to the police, and insurance contracts typically require any accident be reported to the company irrespective of whether someone was injured.  Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it can result in a ticket being issued and the imposition of a fine.  Failing to report an accident to your insurance company can jeopardize your right to receive coverage.  As such, the best choice is generally to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can, and to file a police report immediately, if possible.  However it’s also wise to discuss your options with an auto accident lawyer in Trenton, NJ, as well

Many insurances companies ask their policyholders to report claims within a specified timeframe once the accident has happened, but these limits are often part of the contract and thus will be unique to each policy. If there are any doubts about what to do, it is best to get in contact with your insurance company and talk it through with them.  Bear in mind, however, that failure to promptly report a claim can lead to the claim being denied.

Who else do you report your accident to?

It is also imperative that you call your local law enforcement if you have been involved in a car accident, as auto accident lawyer from Trenton, NJ may explain. They can bring authority and help in a confusing situation. When you contact an officer, they can:

What is the statute of limitations?

Each state has a civil statute of limitations which governs the length of time one has to file a lawsuit for a car accident. This “claim clock” begins ticking on the day the accident occurred, and failure to file within the state’s limitations period will cause the claim to be lost.  As such, complying with the statute of limitations is critical.  The time you have to take action can also be influenced by the persons or entities involved in the claim.  For instance, if the claim is against a government official or employee, or happened on government property, you may have only a matter of weeks in which to report the claim or otherwise take formal action to preserve your rights.  Further, the amount of time available to file a lawsuit (known as the “statute of limitations”) differs from state-to-state, so be sure to consult with an experience accident lawyer, such as Davis & Brusca, LLC for further guidance and assistance.

What’s next?

If you have gotten into a car accident and are unsure of how to proceed, call an auto accident lawyer Trenton, NJ relies on from Davis & Brusca, LLC today for help with filing a lawsuit or navigating your insurance claim.  Get your free case evaluation!

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