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.

Car accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. Even without broken bones or internal injuries, less severe injuries like cuts and lacerations can leave accident victims with permanent scars. If you experience scrapes or cuts in a car accident and need stitches, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Here is a brief overview of what to expect if you are injured in a car accident and require stitches.

What happens if you are cut in a car accident?

A laceration is is a deep cut that tears through the skin.  In a car accident, skin can be cut by impact with interior components of the car or debris. As a result, foreign material, such as glass shards from a broken windshield, can enter the body.

If you are cut in a car accident, you should assess whether your injuries require emergency medical intervention or if you can treat the wound at home. Deep cuts, debris-filled wounds that are difficult to clean, and cuts with uncontrollable bleeding require medical attention. Stitches, staples, or steri strips may be used to close the wound. You may also need a Tetanus shot or other medication to protect you from wound-related illness or infection.

After you receive appropriate medical treatment, you should promptly file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. It is important to keep a detailed record of all medical treatment, including evaluations, medication, and other accident-related expenses. This record should include photographic documentation of your injuries before and after medical care, as well as throughout the healing process. You should also ask the medical professional providing treatment if your injuries will result in permanent scarring or require scar revision down the road. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you with compiling this information to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, sparing you from personal involvement in the back-and-forth dealings with the often difficult insurance companies.

Should I get stitches after a car accident?

Untreated lacerations can result in scarring, disfigurement, and even fatal blood loss. If you have a laceration that is more severe than the routine scrape or cut you treat at home, you should seek a medical evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. Stitches are a common form of treatment that promotes healing and reduces the risk of infection by closing the wound, protecting underlying tissues, and even reduces scarring.

Can I recover compensation for stitches after a car accident?

You can typically receive compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses resulting from the car accident injuries. If injuries result in scarring, you are entitled to compensation for this permanent injury.  The amount you are entitled to varies based on the severity of your injuries, impact on your work and home life, and total medical expenses. Emergency room visits are expensive and any treatment rendered there can be costly.  Depending on the nature of your injury, you may be unable to work or your injuries may otherwise impede your day-to-day activities.

If you have been injured in a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you with understanding what claims you may have against the responsible party and can help you determine how much compensation you may stand to recover. Contact our office today to schedule a free 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.