How Long Will My Vehicle Damage Claim Take After a Car Accident?
There isn’t a set timeline for how long a vehicle damage claim takes. This depends on many factors, including the extent of the accident, your insurance carrier, and whether or not you have legal representation.
What is a Vehicle Damage Claim?
If you’re in a car accident, you may file a damage claim with your insurance provider. New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means that regardless of who’s at fault for an accident, your insurance company is responsible for your costs.
This is designed to speed up the claims process since filing a claim doesn’t require that you first determine who is at fault. When you file a claim with your insurance company, you’re essentially applying to use the benefits that you pay for each month.
The problem with this, however, is that no-fault insurance doesn’t pay for vehicle damages. If your vehicle is damaged, you can file a claim with your insurance provider if you have comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, you may have to file a claim with the responsible driver’s insurance company.
New Jersey does allow you to file a claim for damages or total loss of a vehicle against the responsible driver, with no limits. In most cases, insurance companies process claims between 30-90 days. However, certain factors that lengthen the claims process.
Factors that Can Lengthen the Claims Process
There are some factors that can lengthen the claims process, including:
- The case goes to court: If you or the other driver decides to take the case to court, it may take longer to process.
- There’s a dispute as to who’s at fault: If there is disagreement as to who’s at fault for the accident, the case may take longer.
- One or both drivers are underinsured: If one or both drivers doesn’t have state minimum insurance, it can make the claims process more difficult.
- One or both drivers are not insured: If one or both drivers doesn’t have insurance, it may not be possible to file a claim.
Car accidents are sometimes straightforward. Other times, they require an in-depth investigation into the details of the case. The specific insurance company that you’re working with can also affect how long your claim takes. Some insurance companies are better at fulfilling their duties of the policy. Others may do everything they can to not pay you enough or not pay you at all.
When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
There are some situations in which it may make sense to contact a car accident lawyer. For example, if you were in an accident in which you suffered severe injuries, seeking compensation may be even more important. Working with a car accident lawyer can help you collect the funds you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.
If you were involved in a car accident with unique details, such as an uninsured or underinsured driver, it may also make sense to reach out to a lawyer. If your insurance company denies your claim, you may also file an appeal with the assistance of a lawyer.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Middlesex, Edison, Old Bridge, Westfield, New Brunswick, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
