You can file a claim in a single-car accident through your insurance policy’s collision or comprehensive coverage. In some instances, if you are less than 50% at fault for your accident, your insurance company may cover your accident losses.
Factors to Consider If You File a Claim for a Single-Car Accident
If you live in Georgia and drive a car, you are legally required to comply with the state’s vehicle insurance requirements. Your auto insurance is classified as at-fault. This means if you’re fully responsible for your single-car accident, your insurer may not compensate you for your losses unless you have collision or comprehensive coverage.
Collision coverage is an optional form of auto insurance that protects you financially if you’re involved in a single-car accident with an object. For example, you slam your car into a tree. If you have collision insurance, your insurer may cover your losses from this incident, even if you’re at fault.
Meanwhile, comprehensive coverage may allow you to get compensation if you’re involved in an auto accident that may be considered an “outside of collision” event. For instance, a tree branch falls on your car and damages your vehicle. In this instance, your comprehensive coverage may provide you with the money you need to fix your vehicle.
Outside of these things, if you want to file a single-car accident insurance claim, you may have a limited window in which you’re legally permitted to do so.
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for most auto accident claims is two years. Based on this, if you don’t submit your insurance claim within two years of your one-vehicle accident, you may be responsible for your losses from this incident.
How to File a Claim for a Single-Car Accident in Newnan
Notify your car insurance company about your single-vehicle accident. This will initiate the claims process. Your insurer may investigate your accident, learn how it happened, and determine if you’re eligible for compensation in alignment with your policy.
During the claims process, an insurance adjuster may contact you regarding your accident. This adjuster may ask you questions about your accident as they determine liability. Plus, the adjuster may look for ways to devalue your claim.
You have the right to ask for help from a Newnan car accident lawyer as your claim moves forward. This attorney can communicate with your insurance company for you. Your lawyer can negotiate an insurance settlement and let you know if any offers are made.
If a business, government entity, or another party is liable for your single-car accident, their insurance company may compensate you. You could get a settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurer. This settlement proposal may cover your car repair costs, medical bills, and other quantifiable and subjective accident losses.
Ultimately, you could file a claim for your single-car accident caused by someone else, and the insurance company of a liable party may dispute your compensation request. If this happens, you can proceed with a car accident lawsuit.
An auto accident attorney can help you submit your lawsuit and gather witness statements, accident scene photos, and other evidence to support your case. They can build an argument to make it clear to a judge or jury why you should be awarded compensatory damages.