How Long Do Car Accidents Stay On Your Record?
For drivers with a car insurance policy, you may be wondering how long do car accidents stay on your record and how it will affect your auto insurance premiums. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the severity of the accident and your driving history. Continue reading to learn about how long car accidents stay on your record and how you can deal with your car insurance company after an accident.
Generally, a car accident may stay on your record for a minimum of three years from the date it occurred. But as mentioned, it will depend on whether you were in an at-fault accident or not. Your insurance company may also have a different policy when it comes to insurance rates after an accident.
While car insurance may be enough to help you recover compensation after an accident, it’s still important to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options. If you got into an accident in Florida, get in touch with Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney to discuss your case.
What happens if I have a car accident on my driving record?
After a car accident, auto insurance providers will look at the facts of the case to check whether it was an at-fault accident or a not-at-fault accident. Basically, your car insurance provider would like to know whether you caused the accident or not. In most cases, your car insurance rate increases if you have a motor vehicle accident on your driving record.
However, in Florida, the rules are different. Florida is one of several no-fault states in the country. This means that your car insurance company will pay for your damages, no matter who is at fault in the accident. This auto insurance policy is called personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Insurance companies in the state are required to provide PIP coverage to all motor vehicles.
But this doesn’t mean that there are no consequences for accidents in Florida, because there is no such thing as a no-fault accident. If you were found to be substantially at fault for the accident, your insurance provider may drop you as a customer or refuse to renew your policy.
To avoid any issues with your auto insurance provider, it’s important that you report the accident to them as soon as possible. Once you’ve done this, they will begin their investigation and determine who is at fault in the accident.
Additionally, your driving record is kept by the state. If you have multiple, overlapping infractions on your record, your driver’s license may be in danger of getting suspended, or worse, revoked.
How long will a car accident stay on my driving record?
As mentioned, car accidents usually stay on your record for at least three years. But, the length of time an accident stays on your record will depend on a few different factors, such as the following:
Severity of the Accident
A serious car accident will likely stay on your record for longer than three years. In Florida, you may be cited for a traffic violation after getting into a car accident, especially if you were found to be at fault. This is called a crash entry, and has the same bearing on your record as a guilty disposition. A guilty disposition can stay on your record from three to seven years from the disposition date. In severe cases, it can stay on your record for 10 to 15 years.
Driving History
If you have a clean driving record, an accident is likely to stay on your record for a shorter period of time than if you have multiple accidents or traffic violations. But if you have been cited for multiple infractions that include withdrawal of your driving privilege, an accident can stay on your record for up to 10 years or more.
Will my driving record affect my auto insurance policy?
If you have an accident on your driving record, your insurance premium will likely increase. How much they increase will depend on the severity of the accident and whether you were at fault. If it was a minor fender bender and you weren’t at fault, your insurance rates may not go up that much. However, if it was a major accident and you were at fault, insurance providers will likely increase your rates by a significant amount.
Will my auto insurance premium go up if the car accident wasn’t my fault?
In Florida, an insurance claim must be filed under your PIP coverage regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you were not at fault in the accident, your PIP insurance premium should not go up. But in most cases, insurance providers will check the facts of your case before deciding on your new auto insurance rates. If it was found that you intentionally caused the accident or that you were driving recklessly, your premium could still go up.
What if the accident occurred due to my own fault?
If you were at fault in the accident, your insurance rates will likely increase. How much they increase will depend on the severity of the accident and whether you have any other accidents or traffic violations on your record. In some cases, your insurance carrier may even refuse your claim and drop you as a customer.
Can I be eligible for accident forgiveness?
Accident forgiveness is a program offered by some insurance companies that allows you to have one accident on your record without it affecting your premium. But, not all insurers offer this program, and each one has different eligibility requirements.
For instance, some carriers require that you be a customer for a certain number of years before you’re eligible for accident forgiveness. Others may only apply accident forgiveness if you were not at fault. Be sure to check with your insurance carrier first to see if you qualify.
What should I do after a car accident?
After a car accident, stay calm and collected. First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately to seek medical treatment, even if your injuries are not apparent. Once you’re sure everyone is okay, contact accident attorney Jared Spingarn for legal representation.
If the accident was minor and there are no injuries, you can move your car to the side of the road to avoid causing a traffic jam. But, if the accident was more serious, don’t move your car until the police arrive. Once they do, be sure to provide your recollection of the accident and nothing more, as the official accident report will be used to verify your personal injury claim later on.
Lastly, be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will likely ask you for a detailed account of what happened, so it’s important to have all the facts straight before you call. The details that you provide your insurance carrier will be the initial grounds for recovering compensation. But many insurance companies will surely investigate the case on their own as well to check the facts and your eligibility for accident forgiveness before approving your claim.
Why do I need an attorney after a car accident?
After a car accident, you may be tempted to handle the case on your own – especially if it was a minor incident. But, even in these cases, hiring experienced attorney Jared Spingarn can be beneficial. For one, Jared has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and knows how to get you the maximum compensation possible. You will need his services because insurance carriers will likely try their hardest to offer you the lowest settlement amount possible. Jared will also take care of all the paperwork and phone calls for you, so you can focus on what’s important – your health and recovery.
Additionally, if the other driver was at fault in the accident, Jared will work to hold them accountable for their actions. He will fight to get you compensated not only for your injuries but also for any damage to your property. And, if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or their policy isn’t enough to cover your damages, Jared can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact accident attorney Jared Spingarn today for a free consultation.
Conclusion
Motor vehicle accidents, unfortunately, are still possible no matter how good a driver you are. But, by understanding how long do car accidents stay on your record and knowing what to expect, you can be prepared for anything that comes your way.
If you’re worried about how long car accidents will stay on your record, the best thing to do is to drive safely and avoid getting into accidents. But when you do get into an accident, make sure to reach out to a qualified attorney from the law firm of Jared Spingarn so you can understand your rights and options after an accident.
>> If you’re involved in a car accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.
