Car accidents can have a significant impact on people's lives, especially if there are injuries involved. Even minor accidents can result in substantial medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. In addition, the psychological effects of a car accident can be long-lasting and may include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The insurance claims process after a car accident depends on the surrounding circumstances. In general, drivers carry minimum liability insurance in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Liability insurance can cover the costs of property damage and injuries caused by the driver. If a driver is at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for paying out a claim to the involved parties.
However, insurance companies may dispute claims or offer lower settlement amounts than what the injured party believes they are entitled to. In such cases, injured parties may need an attorney to help negotiate a fair settlement.
The Impact of Different Types of Car Accidents on Insurance Claims
The type of car accident you are involved in can affect insurance claims. It can determine who is at fault for the accident, the extent of the damages and injuries, and who is responsible for paying for them.
Below are the general impacts of different types of car accidents on insurance claims.
1. Rear-end Collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when one car crashes into the back of another vehicle. The car that crashes into the back of the other vehicle is considered at fault. The rear driver is responsible for maintaining a safe distance between their car and the vehicle in front of them.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most frequent road accidents. If you have been in a rear-end collision;
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Take photos of your vehicle's damage and injuries you have sustained
- Report the accident to your insurance company, whether at fault or not
- Don't admit responsibility for the accident
- Work with a car accident attorney during the entire process
The average cost of a property damage claim for a rear-end collision is $4,500. In some cases, insurance companies may deny or delay payment for a rear-end collision claim if they believe the rear-ended driver was partially or fully responsible for the accident.
If a rear-end driver involved in a collision does not have insurance, they are liable for paying for the damages and injuries of the other driver, which can be costly.
The impact of a rear-end collision on insurance claims depends on several factors, including the accident's severity, the extent of the damages and injuries, and the drivers' insurance policies.
2. Head-on Collisions
A head-on collision happens when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. These accidents, including sideswipes and rollovers, can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Head-on collision crashes were responsible for over 20% of all accidents in 2020.
If you are the driver who caused the head-on collision, your insurance will be responsible for covering the damages and injuries of the other driver. However, if the other driver was also partially responsible, their insurance may be involved in paying for the damages.
Head-on collisions can be complex, and insurance claims can involve large amounts of money. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They will need to know the details of the accident, including the date, time, and location and any injuries or damages involved.
Insurance claims can take time to process, especially if disputes about fault or damages exist. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer may help to ensure your claim is processed as quickly and fairly as possible.
3. Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver hits another vehicle or pedestrian and leaves the accident scene without stopping or providing their contact and insurance information. These types of accidents can have a significant impact on insurance claims.
Hit-and-run accidents can increase insurance premiums for the victim and the at-fault driver. Insurance companies view hit-and-run accidents as a sign of risky behavior and may consider the driver a higher risk to insure. As a result, both parties may see an increase in their insurance rates after a hit-and-run accident.
When a driver is involved in a hit-and-run accident and leaves the scene without being identified, the other driver or pedestrian will have to file a claim and shoulder medical expenses.
The victim may file a claim with their insurance company under their uninsured motorist coverage, designed to protect against accidents caused by uninsured or under-insured drivers.
4. T-bone Accidents
T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. These types of accidents can be fatal and result in serious injuries such as head and neck injuries, neck and spinal injuries, concussions, and pelvic and leg injuries.
The impact of a T-bone accident on insurance claims will depend on who is at fault and the accident's severity. If you are involved in a T-bone accident, it's important to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and document any damages or injuries.
If the other driver is at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for covering the cost of damages or injuries. However, if you are found to be at fault, your insurance rates may go up.
Sometimes, determining fault in a T-bone accident can be difficult. T-bone accidents often occur at intersections, where there may be confusion about who had the right of way. In these cases, insurance companies may have to investigate to determine fault.
How The Igwe Firm Can Help Your Situation
The Igwe Firm is a personal injury law firm that provides legal representation for people who have been injured due to the negligence of others. We specialize in various personal injury cases, including car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.
A car accident can have devastating effects on the victim and the family. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact us today. We can help you navigate the process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve.