When to Report an Auto Accident
It's only a minor fender bender. To save time, paperwork or an insurance increase, you pay for the damage yourself. Right?
Wrong. Reporting an accident protects your legal rights. Here's why:
- What seems like a minor injury now could become serious later on. Often neck or back injuries don't show up for several days.
- If an unreported accident results in a lawsuit, the insurance company may refuse to pay.
- Paying for your own repair work can be seen as an admission of guilt. So can an offer to pay for the other person's repairs.
- The cost for repairs may be more than you think. If you haven't reported your accident, your insurer may refuse to pay.
Many drivers save money by carrying high deductibles for property damage. When damage is minor, it's tempting to fix it and forget about filing an accident report. But by doing so, you may lose your legal rights... and your insurance coverage.
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Automobile Accidents
