How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident?
Did you know that last year the police reported over five million car accidents? Most of the time, if you’ve been involved in a car accident, then it’s important to report it right away.
But, you might be asking yourself, How long do I have to report a car accident? And is it ever too late to file a claim? If you want to learn the answer to these questions, and more, then you’re in the right place.
In this car accident guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car accident reports.
How Long Do I Have To Report a Car Accident?
Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question of reporting a car accident. That’s because each state has different laws for when and why you need to file a police report for your accident.
For example, in Tennessee, if the damage from the accident exceeds $400, then you need to file the report within twenty days. New York, on the other hand, requires you to file a report within ten days if the damages exceed $1,000.
So, you should check your specific state laws to find out. In terms of reporting the accident to your insurance, you should handle it as soon as possible.
Each insurance company has a specific cut-off for when they won’t provide claims.
Is It Ever Too Late To File a Claim?
All car accidents have an expiration date in terms of when you can report them. This expiration date is determined by your state’s statute of limitation laws.
However, typically the statute of limitation lasts between one to ten years. After that time, the victim can no longer seek damages for injuries from the accident or repairs on their vehicle/property.
That’s why the best car accident advice we can give is to file a claim as soon as possible.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a car accident attorney if you feel you were offered a lowball claim from the other party’s insurance company. If you were injured in the accident, then you might also want to seek a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
Not sure whether or not you need a car accident lawyer? Just meet with one. During your consultation, they’ll let you know whether or not you have a valid case. Just make sure to specialize in your specific car accident case.
Appreciate Learning About Car Accidents? Keep Exploring
We hope this article helped you answer the question, How long do I have to report a car accident? As you can see, it’s always a good idea to report an accident as soon as it happens.
Otherwise, it could affect you legally. Did you appreciate learning about car accident reporting? If the answer is yes, then keep exploring to find more content you’re sure to enjoy.