auto-insurance Archives

How Quickly Will You Get Your Money in a Car Accident Settlement?

After a car accident that results in injuries, your well-planned-out life can turn into a nightmare. Often victims are faced with depleted savings and a never-ending pile of household and medical bills.

Under such pressure, you can’t wait to get your check when your claim goes through the process, and you strike a deal with the negligent party. Unfortunately, settling does not mean you will walk from the negotiations table or the courtroom with money in the bank. It can take several weeks to get your check.

Common Reasons Why Car Accident Claims Are Delayed

Before you reach the point where you are waiting for your check, you could have spent a year or even two to get your car accident claim to this point. But not all cases are the same. Some can settle quite early.

Delay may sound alarming, but it is not always the case. Sometimes, the delay can be for your good and can be orchestrated by your attorney if they feel it is necessary for a fair outcome. How long a lawsuit takes will depend on the seriousness of the case in terms of the severity of injuries and the recovery period.

Other common reasons that could cause a car accident claim to drag on include:

● The time needed by your legal counsel to gather relevant evidence

● A tactical move by your team to have a better insight into the extent of injuries

● The complexity of the investigations into the case

● The length of the negotiations process

● The time required to get a trial date if a case doesn’t settle in the negotiations

Collecting Your Check after Settlement

After the at-fault party agrees to settle during the negotiations stage or the court gives its verdict at trial, you are guaranteed to get your money. But the time it takes to get the money in the bank can vary based on how fast the post-settlement process goes.

Below is a basic outline of the post-settlement process:

Signing the Settlement Release

After a settlement is reached, you have to sign a release declaring that you no longer have the right to sue the defendant for further damages resulting from the accident.

Your Lawyer Gets the Check

After signing the release, the insurer may take some time to verify and forward your check to your attorney. The period between signing the release and mailing the check to your attorney can vary from one insurer to another. Still, your lawyer can use the available legal means to ensure that the insurer does not exceed the timelines.

Taking Care of Liens

If your settlement has medical liens, they may hold up your proceeds until the liens are cleared. A lien is a third party’s right to a portion of your payout, for example, Medicare benefits received in terms of hospital bill payments. Medicare liens can take a considerable time to resolve. So, you could be looking at a couple of months in delays.

The Attorney Fee

After liens are out of the way, your attorney will get their cut from your settlement, after which they release the money. When taking care of liens and attorney fees, most lawyers place the proceeds of a settlement in an escrow account.

When the money is in an escrow account, you know and see you have it but can’t spend it until all necessary fees and other contingency-based agreements are honored. Once your lawyer takes care of all pending claims on your payout, you get your check.

On average, the period between settling your case and getting money in your hands is four and six weeks. If you have not received your portion of benefits in six weeks, you may need to contact your lawyer for updates on the delay.

What to Do Right After a Car Accident

Regardless of how careful a person is, accidents happen. When a person is involved in a car accident, adrenaline tends to surge through their body. At this time, they must remain calm and take certain steps to ensure the accident is properly documented and the party responsible for the accident is held accountable. What steps should they take at this time?

Injuries

Always check for injuries first after a car accident. Call 911 for help and make certain people don’t move unless they need to. Any movement can exacerbate injuries, so it’s best to stay put until you can be checked by medical professionals.

Move to a Safer Area

If possible, move the vehicles out of the road. This reduces the risk of another accident occurring. If emergency warning devices are available, use them to alert other drivers. When an explosion seems likely, try to move everyone away from the accident scene. It is acceptable to move injured parties in this situation. However, try to keep this movement to a minimum to prevent further damage to an injured party.

Document the Accident

Collect as much information as possible about the accident and the parties involved. Furthermore, get contact information from any witnesses. Most states only require the parties to exchange names and insurance information. Don’t make a statement at the scene because anything said at this time may be used in legal proceedings. Even something as innocent as saying you are fine can cause problems as the case moves forward.

Take pictures of the vehicles and the surrounding area. Many insurance companies now offer apps for smartphones to make the process of documenting all aspects of the crash easy. If this app isn’t available through your insurer, download WreckCheck, a product of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This app makes it easy to document the time of the accident and other information before emailing it to yourself or your insurance agent. If no app is available, use pencil and paper to complete this step. Likewise, if the police files the report, you will afterwards be able to find your crash report online so that you can connect with service providers if needed.

File an Insurance Claim

An insurance claim is needed to get reimbursed for any property damage, medical bills, and other expenses related to the accident. The insurance company to file this claim with depends on who was at fault in the accident. If the responsible party doesn’t have insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage becomes of great help in obtaining this compensation.

At times, it may not seem necessary to file a claim. However, Consumer Reports states even low-speed crashes can lead to damages running in the thousands of dollars. Keep this in mind and collect insurance information from the other party.

It’s best to file a claim regardless of the severity of the accident. This allows you to feel confident knowing you won’t be held liable for any damages to your vehicle if another person was at fault. That’s why drivers have insurance. They need to know they are protected when they get behind the wheel, and this type of coverage ensures they are.

Regardless of how safe a person tries to be when behind the wheel of a car, accidents will happen. They may occur when an animal runs in front of the vehicle, another driver cuts them off, or weather conditions make driving impossible. Know what to do when a crash occurs, so you can resolve the matter quickly and easily. By taking these steps, you’ll have the information needed to achieve this goal.

Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Policies Online

Comparing car insurance online is on the rise, not only because of the current pandemic but because of how accessible the comparison sites are. In today’s technological world people like to use their smartphones for everything. They are basically handheld computers available in their back pockets.

The benefits of being able to search up quotes from various companies are many. As AP News puts it, the best thing that people can do when searching for any type of service compares the policies and prices of various companies. Every company has different premium costs. Some policies have riders, or clauses, that make them better, or worse. They are also mostly shifting towards online forms and contracts. This makes their work easier, which in turn could lead to discounts or reduced rates.

1. Save Money

As mentioned above, many companies will give you a discount because it allows them to get a contract without having to put much work into it. Since they have time for other things, they pass the savings on to you. It may not be a huge amount of money that you get back, but every little cent helps cut the costs of insurance.

2. Speed

The speed and ease of getting a quote are well worth hopping online when you need car insurance. You no longer must sit at a desk in front of a salesperson that works off commission. The online portals will not talk you into upgrading just so they can get a bigger paycheck. The portals will guide you through questions so that the policy fits your needs.

3. Free

When you use a site that compares car insurance in NSW the search engine is free, and the quotes that you get from each company is free. They are competing for your business so they will not charge you to run your information through their data banks to give you a policy quote. Even better is that you are under no obligation to accept any of the offers. You can look them over, toss them out, and move on to others if you want to.

4. Customizable

When you use an online portal you can customize the policy to fit your needs. You can change almost all the coverage areas to decrease, or increase, aspects of the policy. When you make changes like this, though, you will lose or gain, the benefits of having the insurance. You must be careful not to only worry about cost, because it could leave you without the coverage that you need if something should happen.

Conclusion

Comparing car insurance quotes online simply makes sense in today’s world of mobile devices. Especially when you go through a comparison site for car insurance quotes like iselect. They take all the leg work out of the equation for you, leaving you with only having to wade through the information and find a company that best fits your needs, and your budget. With the touch of the screen and the push of a button, you can check every insurance company that covers your area.

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How To Find A Reliable Car Accident Lawyer

As cars have become more affordable, the number of cars on the road have increased. This is a logical outcome. However, this doesn’t mean the increase in traffic is without consequences. As traffic increases, so do road accidents.

If you’re a regular driver, then the chances are that you probably see the aftermath of an accident every day. It’s important to realize that you can get into a car accident even if you do everything right. This is because you can only control yourself, not the actions of other people. If you find yourself in an accident caused by another person’s carelessness, you need to be prepared. One of the first things you should do is consult with a lawyer.

A good lawyer can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting financial compensation caused by injuries sustained in an accident. In fact, it may as well be the most important determinant of the result of your case. Your lawyer’s competence is inextricably tied to your chances of winning. Here are some tips on finding a reliable car accident lawyer.

Make a list of things you need

Not all cases and scenarios are the same. Accordingly, the perfect lawyer for your case will vary based on the type of accident and uniqueness of your claim. To find the perfect man for the job, talk to several people and keep the following points in mind.

First of all, ask him about his experience in terms of years. Then, follow it up by asking him about his experience with cases similar to yours. It may give you insight into how similar cases proceed, and if you can accordingly expect similar results from your attorney.

According to Queens car accident attorney James Galleshaw, it’s important to interview multiple attorneys so that you get an idea of different lawyer philosophies and capabilities.

How far is your attorney willing to go?

The vast majority of cases are settled outside the courtroom due to negotiations between your lawyer and the at-fault’s insurance company. However, what if your case does need to go to trial? This is why it is important to ask your attorney about the types of deals he or she has been able to procure for their previous clients and if they will be willing to go to trial if the situation calls for it. A good lawyer will always be prepared for every situation, while explaining to you your options and the best path to take.

Use your network of friends and family

Since car accidents are common, there’s a high chance that one of your friends or family members have been in an accident before. Talk to them about their experience as they can be a source of great advice and resources.

With friends and family, you can be assured that the advice you’re getting does not have any selfish reasons or conflicts of interest behind it. They can share their experience and might even be able to recommend a lawyer that successfully helped them.

Ask other lawyers from different fields of work

Have you ever worked with a lawyer before your car accident? If so, then be sure to call them and explain your situation to them. They may have some advice based on their overall knowledge of the law and their understanding of the workings of the judicial system. Furthermore, they may have an attorney who specializes in injury cases. In such cases, they can even give you the contact of a great lawyer who can tend to your matters. Competent attorneys always have a network of other attorneys from different fields, and you can use your existing connections to take advantage of their curated network.

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A Woman’s Guide To Navigating Car Insurance

There is nothing sweeter than a romantic road trip with your beau or a ride or die vacay with your bestie. And shopping for car insurance has never been easier. You can easily get quotes online and over the phone. There are several factors that can help drive the price of insurance down. Here are some things that you can do to help you lower the cost of your auto insurance policy.

Gender

Believe it or not, gender can influence the price tag of your insurance policy. Studies show that women are more likely to be safer drivers but as time goes on and women get older they are more likely to have more accidents. Securing your policy early on and locking in those good driver discounts as a woman will help you maintain reasonable insurance as you age oh so gracefully.

Claims

If you don’t have as many claims, your insurance price will be cheaper than someone who has a lot of them. Most best car insurance companies will reward drivers who have less fender benders. So drive safe, put down that latte, and save some dough.

The Amount Of Mileage

If you keep your mileage low, say, you ride your bike on the weekends or you have your honey drive you around, you can actually save money on your car insurance. After all, it makes sense that the less driving hours you clock, the lower your chances become of being in an accident. So take public transport when available, rideshare, and of course, bike or walk whenever you can. Good for the environment and your wallet. Some insurance companies offer usage based insurance, where you pay less for driving less, by adding a small tracking device to the car to count your miles.

The Type Of Car You Are Driving

If you have a fancy car that is more desirable, it will require a more costly insurance price because it is more likely to be stolen. At the same time, if you have an old beat up car that does not easily pass smog check, requires a lot of maintenance, and is not as safe, it is more likely to be demolished in an accident. And thus, the insurance price will also go up. Opting in for a middle of the road, safer car, that is fairly new will help you have reasonable insurance rates. Once you figure out that perfect middle of the road vehicle then shop for car insurance with confidence.

Bundling Your Insurance And Sticking With Your Carrier

These days, you can insure your home, apartment and jewelry all with the same carrier. Sticking with the same one and getting good driver discounts through the years will not only simplify the renewal process, it will help give you some great loyalty programs with discounts too.

Request A Higher Deductable

Going for a larger deductable up front can save you up to forty percent on your monthly payment. This way, you keep your money on you for emergencies and you can save each month on your monthly payment. Just be sure to have that extra money handy in case you need to file a claim.

Be Conscious of the Cost of Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

Maybe you drive a beat up old car and a fender bender wouldn’t be worth the cost of fixing the damage. Especially if you have a higher deductable. You should consider ditching the Collision and Comprehensive when you drive around a beat up vehicle. The best way to be sure that it’s time to do so is to total the cost of the value of the car against what you pay annually in auto insurance. If the car is worth less, consider ditching Collision and Comprehensive. And once the car drives it’s final ride, have that money you saved set aside to purchase a new car.

Maintaining Good Credit

Insurance companies will look at your credit to determine insurance costs. Once again, your credit score matters in terms of getting the best rate. Studies have shown that having a better credit score results in filing fewer claims. So keep that credit score up and save some money. Be sure to check your credit regularly to get any errors.

The Occasionial Driver

Becoming an occasional driver means you are added to an existing policy as a secondary driver. While this is usually reserved for spouse and children, it can also be used for siblings and roommates sharing a car. The best time to add an occasional driver to a policy is when that driver is using the car more than two times a week. Having an Occasional Driver Policy is a great way to start building credibility to have your own policy and it will usually cost a lot less than having two separate policies for the same car. It is really important in the long run to be entirely honest with your insurance carrier. In most cases, there are ways to effectively lower the cost of insurance such as an occasional driver discount. For example, to drive the car regularly uninsured can result in a rejected claim and a higher cost to insure the vehicle moving forward. The cheaper option is to get insured as a part time driver.

Discounts Are Out There

Finally, take the time to shop around. There are many discounts out there, such as student discounts, good driver discounts, loyalty programs, homeowner discounts. As well as driver training and course discounts, state by state discounts, hybrid and safety discounts, muti-car, and bundle discounts, to name a few. It is really so easy to get insurance and customize it for your daily driving life. Drive Safe!

Car Insurance Types In The USA: What Women Need To Know

General Peculiarities and Types of Insurance Coverage

Insurance today is very important for every car because it allows protecting material and moral well-being from unforeseen injuries and losses in case of road accidents. For example, car insurance is designed to protect drivers from high costs and paperwork. And it makes the car owner’s life easier: regular payments under the insurance policy are much less than those that the car owner will spend on car restoration.

For women in particular, understanding insurance in greater detail matters. And the specificity of car insurance in the USA. Here is some useful information on auto insurance in Texas, California, New York, or any other US state.

Information About Auto Insurance in the USA

The car insurance market in the United States is one of the largest to date. Therefore, the proposed insurance products are very diverse. This is because the car is the primary means of transportation for many Americans. In addition, car owner liability insurance is mandatory in the United States. Each owner must have an insurance policy when licensing, driving, and renewing a driver’s license. It should be noted that the federal system of regulation of the insurance industry has not been adopted in the USA, and, therefore, each state, in particular Texas, performs these functions independently, which leads to differences in the requirements for car insurance.

Types of Insurance Coverage

The following types of insurance coverage are available in the USA:

● Clash. In this case, damage from car damage in an accident is compensated. This type of insurance is the most expensive. A franchise of around $ 1,000 is envisaged;

● Total coverage. Compensation for damage from vehicle damage due to theft, falling objects, collisions with animals, fire, floods, earthquakes, etc.;

● Damage to property. It is a compensation for damage caused to property of third parties (house, fence, car, etc.) in a collision due to the fault of the car owner;

● Physical damage. It includes compensation for damage caused to the health of persons who suffered in an accident due to the fault of the car owner. This is mandatory in almost all US states;

● Medical expenses. Reimbursable medical expenses take place in this case;

● Personal damage. This type of insurance is similar to the previous one, however, the range of expenses is wider here, in particular, the coverage also includes lost income and additional security for the person injured in the accident;

● Insufficiently insured driver. Medical expenses, non-received incomes, and payments of a non-economic nature (moral damage) are reimbursed in the event of a collision with a driver who has insufficient insurance coverage.

In conclusion, we should note that compulsory auto insurance standards exist in almost all states of the United States of America, however, its types and limits of liability may vary significantly due to several factors, in particular, traffic saturation, accident statistics, specifics of civil law regulation, etc. Therefore, car owners should study this information carefully.