Car accidents happen daily, and most people think they know what to do: call the insurance company, file a claim, get paid, and move on. But what is the truth? It’s not that easy very often. People who have never done this before could be astonished by all the fine language, exclusions, and limitations.
Even a minor car accident can be a pain if you don’t know how claims work. When drivers think certain things about fault, compensation, and timetables, they may get furious or feel tricked.
This post will talk about six of the most popular myths concerning vehicle accident claims, so you know what to anticipate and what to look out for.
Table of Contents
1. Insurance Will Always Cover All Your Costs
Many assume the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. In reality, policies have limits. You may be stuck paying the difference if your expenses exceed the driver’s coverage.
For example, if their liability limit is $25,000 and your medical bills are $40,000, you’re on the hook for the extra $15,000. Your underinsured motorist coverage could help, but only if you have it.
2. If the Accident Was Minor, You Don’t Need to File a Claim
Drivers often skip filing after a fender bender to “keep insurance rates low.” But even a simple car accident can cause injuries that don’t show up right away, like whiplash or a concussion. Cars can also hide expensive damage under the surface.
If you wait and discover injuries or mechanical issues later, you may lose the chance to claim costs. Always document the crash and notify your insurer, even if it seems small.
3. The Police Report Decides Who’s at Fault
A police report is helpful, but it doesn’t prove who is at fault. Insurance companies undertake their own research and may come to a different conclusion. Adjusters look at witness testimony, images, and the laws in the state about who is responsible.
The insurance company can still lower or deny payment if the report claims one driver caused the incident, but the evidence shows that both drivers were at fault. Don’t think that you will get the result you seek just because you have a report.
4. You Must Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurers are businesses. Their first offer is often lower than the actual value of your claim. They may leave out future medical costs, missed work, or long-term car repairs. You can negotiate and sometimes should.
Provide evidence like repair estimates, medical records, and proof of lost income. Consulting a car accident lawyer might make sense if negotiations stall, especially if the stakes are high.
5. Claims Always Move Quickly
Many people think car accident claims wrap up in weeks. Some do, but complicated cases can take months or even years. Delays happen when a fault is disputed, injuries need long-term treatment, or there’s a lawsuit involved. Rushing to settle early can mean leaving money on the table, especially if you don’t know the full recovery cost. Patience matters when the damage isn’t just cosmetic.
6. It’s Not Worth Making a Claim for Small Injuries
Even a slight injury can cost a lot of money. You might need to go to physical therapy, see a doctor again, or take time off work if you have a sprain or minor concussion.
The CDC says that more than 2.6 million people went to the emergency department in 2022 because of injuries from motor vehicle crashes. Medical bills mount up quickly. Don’t ignore pain or discomfort; get checked out, write down everything, and add it to your claim if necessary.
A Quick Summary
- Some costs might not be covered if the insurance limits are low.
- Make a claim even if the car accident wasn’t so bad.
- Police records don’t always tell you who is at fault.
- The first offers for settlements can be too modest.
- It could take months instead of weeks to file a claim.
- Minor injuries can end up costing a lot of money.
