Getting into a car accident can bring about physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial strains, too, like hefty medical bills and soaring insurance premiums. If you find yourself in this situation, it might be a good idea to consider contacting a car accident attorney. They can guide you through your legal options and help you understand how the incident might impact your insurance rates.

How Does Fault Affect Car Insurance Rates?

Insurance companies consider several factors when determining liability, and one of the most important factors is the fault of the accident. Who's at fault in a car accident can significantly impact the rate of insurance premiums.

The duration for which your insurance premiums rates will be higher after an accident varies depending on several factors, including:

  • Milwaukee laws
  • Insurance company policies
  • Your driving history
  • The severity of the accident

When determining premium rates, insurance companies consider the level of risk associated with each driver. If you are liable for a motor vehicle accident or have a history of accidents, it indicates a higher level of risk, increasing the likelihood of future accidents. 

At Natasha Misra Law, we encourage you to report your accident immediately to your insurance company. If you believe that your insurance company does not have your best interest at heart or that your rates increase, though you were not at fault for the accident, we can help. 

How Fault Impacts Insurance Claims

Insurance companies consider several factors when determining liability after an accident, with the fault being one of the most critical. Filing a claim should not lead to rate increases if you are not at fault for the collision. However, if you are liable or have a history of accidents, your premiums may rise due to the increased risk.

It's still vital to file a claim regardless of fault determination. This ensures you receive compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, and other expenses from the at-fault driver's insurance. Your own policy may also provide coverage like medical payments or uninsured motorist coverage to help pay bills.

Steps for Filing an Effective Insurance Claim

Here are some tips for filing a thorough insurance claim after a car accident:

  • Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible after it occurs. Provide key details like date, time, location, and parties involved. This starts the claims process.
  • Cooperate with the Insurer: Work closely with your insurance company during the investigation. Provide a recorded statement, access to your vehicle for inspection, and any supporting documents they request. This shows you are acting in good faith.
  • Track Expenses: Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, auto repair estimates, missed wages due to injuries, and communication with insurers. This evidence helps support your claim.
  • Request a Police Report: Obtain a copy of the official accident report filed by the responding law enforcement officer. Review it for accuracy regarding the determination of fault and details provided.
  • Don't Delay Care: Seek medical treatment immediately after the accident and follow all doctor's orders. Gaps in care can lead insurers to dispute injury claims.
  • Rental Car Coverage: If your vehicle is not drivable, make sure to specifically request rental car reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurer. Most policies include this coverage.

Filing an insurance claim is the essential first step after any accident, regardless of who is deemed at fault. It starts the process of getting your bills paid and vehicle repaired.

Injured in a Milwaukee Car Accident? Contact Natasha Misra Law For Help

It's important to report your accident to your insurance company. If your premiums rise even if you were not at fault or believe the fault was wrongfully assigned to you after the accident, contact Natasha Misra Law for help. Call (414) 210-3834 for a consultation.

Taking your motorcycle out on the open road in Wisconsin is a feeling like no other. But when motorcycle accidents occur, there is little to protect a biker aside from a helmet and padded jacket.

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injury, even death. In Wisconsin alone, there have been 107 motorcycle fatalities between 2017 and 2018.

Those injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of their own may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and should seek the guidance of a Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer.

To help you avoid the need for a Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyer, here are seven must-use motorcycle safety tips. 

 

1. Get The Right Gear

Everyone who rides a motorcycle should wear protective gear, no matter how skilled or experienced they are. This includes, of course, a well-built helmet designed to cover your face. But aside from a helmet, motorcyclists should wear a leather or reinforced jacket, gloves, full length pants and boots.

While wearing all black is undeniably cool, bikers should consider wearing bright colors to increase their visibility on the road. A reflective strip can also help other motorists see you once the sun sets.

 

2. Check Your Bike

Prior to hitting the road, all bikers should perform a quick check of electrical and motor systems on their motorcycle. Simply flash the lights, turn on the directional signals, honk the horn, check tire pressure and give the chain and brakes a second look. A simple pre-ride check can help you avoid mechanical trouble once you are on the road.

 

3. Wear Your Helmet

We said it before, and we’ll say it again: wear a helmet! Did you know that bikers who ride without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer from a fatal head injury, and three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injury? A simple way to reduce your odds of severe head trauma is buying a full-face motorcycle helmet. 

Already have one? You should consider buying a new one if it is five years old or older. Technological improvements are being made every day, and having the latest gear can help keep you safe in the event of a motorcycle accident.

 

4. Practice

Everyone on a bike should take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course to learn the best and safest riding techniques. MSF courses teach emergency maneuvers, as well as advanced techniques, which could mean the difference between a slide and a collision. Completion of a MSF course could also help you save money with insurance rates and other motorcycle dealer specials.

 

5. Buy The Right Bike For You

Hopping onto the wrong motorcycle could lead to an accident. Depending on the rider, a bike may be too big and too powerful. Riders should purchase bikes that they can safely operate. For example, both feet should be able to rest flat on the ground. In addition, the handlebars should be within reach, and the bike should not be too heavy to lift off its stand.

 

6. Ride In Fair Conditions

Bikers should not take out their motorcycles in poor weather conditions. Water on the road can reduce traction and visibility, making it difficult to safely operate a motorcycle. If you are caught in bad weather while on the road, remember to turn on your light, gently use your throttle, ease on the brakes and slow while turning to avoid sliding.

 

7. Use Defensive Driving

To avoid motorcycle accidents, you should practice defensive driving. That means being alert, using a signal for lane changes, following other vehicles at a safe distance and abiding by the local traffic laws.

Perhaps most importantly, you should never ride your motorcycle when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you should seek the counsel of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin, Milwaukee personal injury attorney Natasha Misra today for a free case consultation.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.