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.

Getting into a car accident can have a major impact on your life. You car may be damaged. You may suffer from traumatic injuries. You may even have to miss work. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, then you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.

But what happens if you are injured in a hit and run accident and cannot locate the responsible driver? Although you may not be able to seek compensation from the hit and run driver’s insurance, you can still find financial recovery for your injuries through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Is It Illegal To Hit And Run?

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to flee the scene of a car crash. In fact, drivers involved in a car accident are legally required to stop their vehicles. Failing to stop after an accident could lead to criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanor to felony charges. In hit and run accidents involving injuries, criminal charges could result in mandatory jail time. Even with these harsh criminal penalties, hit and run accidents still occur every day throughout the state.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured In A Hit And Run Accident?

If you are injured in a hit and run accident, the first thing you should do is call law enforcement. Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene of the crash will help you receive any emergency medical attention you need following the accident. In addition, they will investigate what happened, write an accident report and attempt to find the driver responsible for the accident.

What Happens If The Hit And Run Driver Is Never Found?

If police are able to identify the driver, then you may be able to recover compensation from the driver’s insurance policy. However, if the hit and run driver cannot be found, then it will be impossible to seek recovery from their insurance policy.

In the event that police cannot find the other driver, there are other sources of compensation for your injuries. In Wisconsin, all drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage that would help cover medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering and other associated costs in the event that you are in a hit and run accident.

Do I Need To Hire A Hit and Run Attorney?

It is advisable to hire a Milwaukee personal injury attorney to represent your interests when filing a hit and run claim against your own insurance company. Although you have paid for your uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will do everything they can to limit the amount owed to you in the event of a hit and run accident. An experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney will investigate the facts of your case, request an accident report, collect medical reports and maximize your settlement.

If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, contact Natasha MIsra Law 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.