How can you be sure the insurance company will treat you fairly?
If you have to deal with car accidents and insurance companies, there is no substitute for knowledge. Often many questions come to mind. Here are some of the most frequent questions clients ask us.
How much time do you have to report an accident to your insurance company?
You should look at your insurance policy terms. Policies typically state how much time you have to report a car accident. In addition, the terms may outline specific steps you must take to comply with the policy. If you fail to report it within the required time frame or follow the required steps, your insurer may be able to deny you coverage. This can happen even when you have a legitimate claim.
Will your insurance company cover expenses if you were partly at fault for the accident?
New York is a no-fault insurance state. What this means is that no matter who was at fault for causing the accident, a no-fault insurance carrier will cover damages up to the policy limits.
New York requires a certain amount of minimum coverage for vehicle owners to drive in the state. Minimum amounts cover the following:
- $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per person when you caused the accident
- $50,000 in total liability for bodily injury per accident you caused
- $10,000 liability for property damage per accident you caused
- $50,000 in no-fault personal injury protection
What do insurance companies pay if your car is totaled?
The insurance company covers the fair market value of the car. This is what the car was worth at the time of the accident. It does not cover what you initially paid when you bought the car.
What should you expect when your insurance company wants to settle a claim?
The circumstances of your car accident determine the amount of money you can receive. How insurance companies arrive at damages varies. However, one thing to keep in mind is that insurance companies often hope to pay the least amount possible. A car accident attorney can advise you whether the settlement offer is likely to cover your costs.
Are you required to accept an insurance settlement offer?
No, you are not. Initial offers are frequently low and may not cover all of your injuries or the extent of your injuries. This is true in particular when the insurance company offers to settle before you have reached maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement is the physician’s evaluation that your condition will not improve beyond the state you have reached.
If you think the offer is too low, you can consult with an attorney.
When should you seek legal help to deal with car accidents and insurance companies?
If your accident was serious or damages were significant, seek legal help. An attorney can help you determine fault and decide whether grounds exist to pursue a lawsuit. An accident claim can help you receive compensation to cover medical expenses. The Law Office of John Fazzini offers free initial consultations. Our fees are part of the compensation recovered, but only if we win or settle the case.