Can a Previous Car Accident Affect My Current Claim?
You may notice your auto insurance rates increase after being in a car accident. This is because car insurance companies consider drivers with prior accidents to be a higher risk. A previous car accident may also lead to difficulties when filing a claim for a new one. You may be asking, “Can a previous car accident affect my current claim?” If so, keep reading to find out what information your insurance company can use and what options you may have.
Should You Disclose Prior Accidents?
You should always disclose prior accidents to your lawyer. This helps your lawyer understand any objections the insurance company may try to use to deny your claim. Being honest and open with your lawyer provides them with the knowledge they need to build a strong case on your behalf.
Your lawyer will guide you on whether or not the information is important and relevant to share with the insurance company or the other lawyers. Some insurance providers may specifically request information about your driving record. They may even ask you to submit a recorded statement. You shouldn’t disclose any information until first talking with your lawyer.
It’s also possible that the insurance company already has your driving record. This is why it’s never a good idea to lie, as this could hurt your credibility and affect your case.
Can the Insurance Company Use a Prior Accident?
Yes, it’s possible for the insurance company to use a prior accident. They may use this information to demonstrate that you’re a high-risk driver and that you were at fault for the accident rather than their policyholder.
If the insurance company can prove that you were at fault, then they can deny your claim against their policyholder. This means that they’ll use any information they have against you. If you were deemed responsible or negligent in the previous accident, they’re likely to argue that you were also negligent in the current accident.
What Other Information May the Insurance Company Use?
The insurance company may use other information against you. For example, they may request a copy of your medical records to prove that your injuries were present before the accident. They may also pull information from a previous insurance claim to look for any similarities in details or injuries.
Why Should You Work With a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have previously submitted a car accident claim or sued for damages through a personal injury case, you may want to talk with a car accident lawyer. Insurance companies will use any information they have to reduce or deny your claim. Just because you were in a car accident previously doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be eligible for damages this time.
If you’re considering filing an insurance claim or lawsuit for a recent car accident, it may be a good idea to reach out to a lawyer before talking with them. The insurance company may try to get you to admit blame or provide them with information to help their case. We work to represent injured victims of car accidents, regardless of their previous driving record or car accident history. You deserve to be compensated if someone else was to blame, regardless of your driving record.
Contact a Coconut Creek Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in Florida? 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 Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of an accident in Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Coconut Creek, and throughout Florida. Call (954) 525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach, FL.
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.