How Long You Have to Report an Accident to Your Insurance

stressed woman calling to report a car accident

In terms of how long you have to report a car accident to your insurance company, there is no time frame. However, if you want to pursue damages relating to your accident, you have up to three years to notify your insurer about the incident. A Rhode Island car accident lawyer may help you submit your claim immediately following your accident.

At Gemma Law Associates, Inc., several of our lawyers are members of the Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association and Rhode Island State Bar. We will do everything within our power to help you notify your insurance company about your auto accident and seek the most damages possible from any at-fault parties. To learn more, reach out to us.

Statute of Limitations for Filing an Insurance Claim

Your car insurance company may not have a window for submitting a claim. However, per Rhode Island General Laws §9-1-14, there is a three-year time frame for personal injury claims. If you do not file an insurance claim within three years of your car accident, you may be unable to get damages from an at-fault party.

Just because you submit an insurance claim in accordance with Rhode Island’s statute of limitations does not guarantee that you will get damages, either. For example, a driver may crash their vehicle into yours, and you may submit a claim through insurance to get damages. The liable motorist’s insurance carrier may commit time and resources to dispute your request, making it difficult for you to secure damages.

Before you file a claim with insurance, it may be a good idea to consult with an attorney. The team at Gemma Law Associates, Inc. has been helping car accident victims, and many others get the compensation they need and deserve. Contact us to discuss your case with our Rhode Island car accident attorney.

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How to File an Insurance Claim

For those who have concerns about how to file an auto insurance claim, you have nothing to worry about. You should contact your insurer as soon as you can following your accident. Next, your insurance company can get information about your accident and work with the liable party’s insurer to help you get damages.

You may want to let an attorney speak with your insurance company about your accident. By having a lawyer discuss your accident on your behalf, you can avoid mistakes that could potentially hurt your chances of getting compensation. Your lawyer can represent you in communications with an insurance provider, ensuring you are well-positioned to secure the maximum amount of damages.

Much in the same vein, you can let your lawyer represent you in conversations with an at-fault party or their insurance company. Either of these parties may contact you just days after your accident in the hopes of getting you to take responsibility for it or accept a lowball settlement. Instead of discussing your case with them, let them know to contact your attorney, and they can serve as your legal representative until your claim is settled.

What Can Happen if You do Not Report an Accident to Insurance

One of the most common questions about car accident cases relates to the consequences that come with failing to notify your insurance provider. Generally, an insurer has a time frame for a client to tell them about an accident. If you choose not to report an accident or wait too long to do so, your insurer may drop your coverage.

Along with notifying your insurer, you may be required to tell the police and the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about your accident. When it comes to what to do after a collision, you may be required to notify these parties if someone is injured or killed or property damage exceeds $1,000. You may also have to report your accident to these parties if you hit a domesticated animal or unattended vehicle.

When do you have to report an accident to the police or DMV, you may have to do so within 21 days of the incident. You may go to a local police station to fill out an accident report. If you decide not to report your accident when you are legally required to do so, you may face penalties.

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How an Auto Insurance Claim Works

To get the best car accident case results, you may want to file a claim right away. This will ensure that your claim has been submitted before the statute of limitations for doing so expires. Plus, it may allow you to get damages as soon as possible.

There are requirements for Rhode Island car insurance coverage. If you submit a claim, your insurance company may contact the at-fault driver’s insurer. Together, they may help you get compensation to cover your accident-related losses.

In a situation where a driver does not have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, you still have options. You may work with an attorney who can help you pursue damages through an injury lawsuit. Once your lawsuit is filed, the defendant in your case may offer a settlement, or you may have to bring your case to trial.

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How an Insurance Claim Gets Settled

The burden of proof in your injury claim matters. If you have an abundance of evidence to show that you are not liable for your accident, it may be tough for an at-fault party and their insurance company to dispute your claim. Thus, you may be able to get the damages you want.

Your insurance company and the liable party’s insurer may go back and forth with settlement proposals. If you hire an attorney, they will keep you up to date on these matters. If you get an offer that meets your expectations, you can accept it and resolve your claim.

If no settlement is reached or an at-fault party does not have adequate insurance coverage, you may have to move forward with a lawsuit. Your attorney can represent you when you go to trial. They will present an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you should be awarded 100% of the damages that you are requesting.

Get Legal Help with Your Injury Claim

The team at Gemma Law Associates, Inc. has an outstanding track record in personal injury cases. We can help you request damages from anyone responsible for your auto accident. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.