We have been working with clients who have been injured in car accidents for many years. In that time, some questions come up more often than others. Today we are going to cover a few of these questions and their basic answers. If you have additional questions, or you want more information about the questions here, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Do I Need to Report My Car Accident to My Insurance Company?
Your auto insurance company has a clause in their coverage that requires every client to report any accident they are in as soon as possible afterwards. It can be tempting to simply choose not to do so, especially if you believe that your insurance rates are going to go up and you can handle it yourself. However, the truth is that you are required by your policy to report every accident – no matter how minor. Not doing so can lead to penalties and unnecessary complications.
For example, imagine that you hit a pedestrian while driving. If it was just a minor bump and the pedestrian was fine, you may not see a reason to report it. However, if they later decide that they have suffered a major injury, your insurance could potentially refuse to pay the claim based on the fact that you did not report the accident. This can open you up to personal liability in a situation your insurance company would have otherwise covered.
What is My Responsibility if I Was Not at Fault for an Accident
If you are in a car accident that is not your fault, you still should contact your insurance company and confirm your coverage. If the accident is not your fault and you have to file a claim with your own insurer, it should not affect your insurance rates / premiums. You should also contact the insurer of the at-fault party. Yes, it is their responsibility to do so but you must look out for your best interests.
When Do I Need to Contact an Attorney?
If you are injured in a car accident and / or your property is damaged then it is worth at least contacting a personal injury attorney. Even if you are partially at fault, it is worth a consultation. The state of California allows you to sue an at-fault party for their percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $10,000 in damages and another driver was 25% at fault, then you could potentially collect $2,500 from them even if you were 75% at fault.
If you are ready to get a consultation now, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We are standing by to listen to your side of the story and to provide the best possible legal protection we can.
