Car Accident Claims
Car accidents are among the most common sources of personal injury claims. Even a low-speed collision can cause lasting harm, and untangling fault often involves police reports, insurance adjusters, and sometimes accident reconstruction.
Common Causes
- Distracted driving, including phone use
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Following too closely (rear-end collisions)
- Poor road maintenance or defective vehicle parts
Who May Be Held Liable
Liability usually falls on the driver who failed to follow traffic laws or drive reasonably, but a vehicle manufacturer, a maintenance company, or a government road authority can also share responsibility depending on the cause.
Evidence That Often Matters
- Police or crash report
- Photos of the vehicles and scene
- Dashcam or nearby surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records tying injuries to the crash
- Vehicle repair and damage estimates
What Compensation May Cover
Compensation in car accident claims commonly addresses emergency treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, vehicle repair or replacement, lost income during recovery, and pain and suffering. Many states also have their own rules for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Compensation in a personal injury case is typically grouped into economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Some states cap certain categories of damages, and rules on shared fault can reduce an award if you were partly responsible. An attorney licensed in your state can explain how these rules apply to your situation.
Time Limits to Be Aware Of
Every state sets its own statute of limitations for personal injury claims, generally ranging from one to several years from the date of the injury, with important exceptions (such as claims against a government agency, which often require a notice filed within months). Missing a deadline can permanently bar a claim, so it's worth confirming the applicable deadline early.
Also Worth Knowing
Some states follow 'no-fault' insurance rules, meaning your own insurer pays initial medical costs regardless of fault, with a separate threshold for suing the other driver. Whether your state is no-fault or at-fault changes how a claim is handled.