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Auto Accident Claim Against A Family Member

27 December 2019

Tracy Roberts

If you are injured in an auto accident caused by a family member, you might wonder whether to pursue a claim against the family member or not. This is especially true if you don't want to hurt the family member, financially or otherwise. However, this is a decision you shouldn't take lightly. Below are some of the reasons you should go ahead and make the claim.

You Need the Money

Unless you have millions of dollars in the account, you are likely to need the compensation money. An auto accident can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Don't forget that it is not just about the medical bills and car repair damages; there are other losses to think of. For example, you may have to hire someone to help you with the chores, require ongoing rehabilitation, and lose some income.

The Insurance Company Pays

Some people don't want to make family-related claims for fear of bankrupting their relatives. The good news is that, as long as your loved one has insurance coverage, it is the insurance company that will sign the compensation check. This means your loved ones won't have to dip into their financial savings to compensate for your losses.

The Rate Increase Might be Inevitable

If your concern is that your loved one's insurance rates might go up if you make a claim, then you should know that the rates might go up even without your claim. For one, auto insurance companies require motorists to report accidents even in the absence of associated claims. Secondly, your relative's rates might increase anyway when they file a first-party claim for their damages.

Other Parties Might Be Liable For the Damages

Refusing to file a claim might deny you other sources of compensation. Other parties may also be liable for the accident even though your relative was the one driving. Maybe the car was defective or the relative's employer was partly to blame for the accident.

You Won't Be Negotiating With the Loved One

Auto accident negotiations can get awkward, especially between two people who are close. Fortunately, you should rest assured that you won't be negotiating with them directly. Once you file your claim, you will be dealing with an insurance adjuster – a representative of the auto insurance company your relative uses. This means the negotiations will be strictly professional so you don't have to worry about any awkwardness. Moreover, you can also hire an accident attorney to handle the claim on your behalf to make the process even more impersonal.

If you have questions about a recent accident with a family member, reach out to an attorney office near you, such as Buckley  Law Office.

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