If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you have your unique perspective on the situation. If it is worth filing a car accident claim is best answered on a case-by-case basis and can depend on many factors. Here are some tips to help you know when it is worth filing a car accident claim.
- When Only Your Car is Damaged, and It Needs Major Repairs
You may not have a claim if you have minor vehicle damage and a car accident was your fault. For example, if your bumper is damaged and looks terrible as soon as you put your car in reverse after the accident, that may not be worth filing. If the damage is substantial and needs to be repaired or replaced, you may want to consider filing a claim.
- When You Are in Pain from the Injuries Caused by the Accident
After an accident, you might find yourself in pain from injuries or sore from spending time in the hospital. The more serious the injuries can make it worth filing a car accident claim. You may want to give the insurance company a chance to make things right. If you have pain in your neck, shoulder, or back and it is painful every day and won’t go away unless you are in physical therapy, it may be worth filing a car accident claim.
- When You Are in Financial Hardship from the Accident
If your car is totaled and you can’t afford to repair it, there may not be any other option but to file a claim. If your vehicle needs repairs beyond what you can afford, it could be worth filing a claim.
- When Someone is Injured or Killed
This factor can be difficult in heavy traffic areas. If you hit someone, you may consider filing a car accident claim. If you are the one who has been injured or killed in a car accident, then it could be worth filing a claim.
- You Were Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident
In a hit-and-run scenario, the driver that caused the accident may have fled the scene of the accident. You could damage your vehicle significantly, and you will want to file a claim for your injuries. Usually, in these cases, the accident was not your fault.
- You Have a Good Attorney Working for You
This factor can make it worth filing a car accident claim. If your attorney says it is worth filing a car accident claim with their opinion, it might be worth it. The best car accident settlement is the one you get when you are not at fault in the accident. If you are represented by an attorney who presents a case with your best interests in mind, it can be worth filing a claim.
Filing a car accident claim is always a big decision, especially when you are in pain or your car is damaged. If you have some damage to the car and it is not bad enough to be totaled, you may want to weigh those options carefully. The more factors that apply, the better your chance of filing a car accident claim.