You were involved in a car crash. Your car was totaled, and you ended up in the hospital. While things could have been worse, you are definitely upset and ready to pursue a claim against the other driver.
One of the biggest questions you have at the moment is how you will cover your expenses. Will your car insurance cover some, or do you have to wait on your claim?
Your car insurance policy matters
The first thing to look at is your car insurance policy. That policy details how you will be compensated if you are involved in a crash or suffer injuries. For example, some of the benefits that you may receive include:
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Collision coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Personal injury protection
Your plan likely has a deductible. Usually, you will need to meet that deductible before the company will cover any of your expenses. So, if you have a $1,000 deductible required before the company covers the cost of your car’s repairs, then you will need to cover that first.
Your policy will also have limits. You choose how much you want the company to cover in the case of a crash when you sign up for coverage. Keep in mind that having a low monthly payment may mean that you don’t have much coverage.
Shouldn’t the other driver’s insurance cover your collision?
After a crash, it is a good idea to seek compensation from the other party. You can file a claim against their insurance provider. However, some people do not have coverage or won’t have enough coverage. In those cases, you may be able to use your own policy to cover your vehicle’s damage and the injuries you’ve suffered.
Every situation is different, which is why it’s a good idea to reach out to your attorney after a crash. They can go over your policy and help you file a claim with it and against the other party if you would like to do so. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf as well, so you get the best settlement possible.