Traveling in a car is a dangerous event. In fact, some experts believe that it is more hazardous than commuting by boat, train, or even airplane. Unfortunately, most individuals cannot afford to travel in the aforementioned way, and instead must rely on their car, truck, or SUV on a daily basis. Despite one’s best efforts, accidents do occur when driving in a motorized vehicle—and while damage to personal property can be quite upsetting, experiencing an injury is even more traumatic. To ensure optimal results when hurt in a car accident, victims must report the injury as soon as possible. Failure to do so cannot only lead to fines, penalties, and increased insurance costs, but may make obtaining financial settlements from the other driver much more challenging.
Depending on the severity of the accident in question, injuries that are suffered in crashes car range from quite minor to relatively severe. No matter how serious the injury experienced in an automobile accident, victims have the right to have their medical bills paid. While an individual who causes an accident and is injured will have their bills paid by their own insurance company, those who are hurt at the hands of another can expect that individual’s insurance provider to foot the bill. Regardless of the specific person at fault, insurance providers will be less willing to pay for bills associated with accident-related injuries if the conditions are not reported immediately, and in some cases may refuse to cover costs altogether if injury reports are especially delinquent. As the cost of healthcare climbs, the necessity of obtaining coverage for these costs becomes even more evident—thus confirming the need to report the injury thoroughly and promptly.
Obviously, failing to receive coverage for medical bills is a costly mistake that should be avoided. However, it is not the only risk faced by those who do not report injury following a car accident in a prompt manner. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, individuals who fail to report accidents and the injuries that occur during these events can expect to pay fines in excess of $500. In addition, specific court costs may also be imposed onto individuals who fail to report injuries in a car accident, though these may vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the accident in question. By filing a report with the local authorities and one’s insurance provider, these fines and penalties can be easily avoided.
In some cases, individuals who do not report injuries following a car accident can see a hike in their insurance rates. This most often occurs when another driver is at fault, his or her insurance provider refuses to pay medical bills due to delinquent injury reports, and the victims’ insurance carrier must cover hospital costs. Depending on the severity of the injury and costs of medical bills, increases in insurance rates can range quite a bit. As with the fines and court costs discussed above, hikes in insurance rates can easily be avoided by filing the appropriate paperwork.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is crucial to report the injuries immediately, and then seek legal representation to see if you have a case. The law firm of Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP is a group of car accident attorneys located in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information about car accident injuries and seeking legal counsel, visit the website at www.spanglaw.com .
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