How long does insurance have to resolve a claim?

State laws vary, but most require insurers to acknowledge a claim within 10–15 days and resolve or deny it within 30–45 days. Some states allow more time for complex injury claims.

Should I hire an attorney after an accident?

For serious injuries, ongoing medical treatment, disputed liability, or complex situations, consulting a personal injury attorney is often worthwhile. Most work on contingency (no upfront cost). For minor damage claims, an attorney is rarely necessary.

What if the other driver disputes fault?

Both insurers investigate independently. They may review police reports, witness statements, and vehicle damage patterns. If liability remains disputed, the case may go to arbitration or litigation.

What happens to my rates after an accident?

An at-fault accident typically raises your premium for 3–5 years. The increase varies by insurer and your state. Not-at-fault accidents may also raise rates depending on your insurer. Some policies include first-accident forgiveness.

What Happens After a Car Accident: A Timeline of What to Expect

June 29, 2026

Immediately after the accident (minutes to hours)

The first priority is safety. Once everyone is safe, document the scene thoroughly — photos, driver information exchange, witness contacts, police report number. See How to File a Claim for the full at-scene checklist.

Key actions:

Call 911 if injuries occurred or traffic is blocked
Do not move vehicles until police arrive if injuries are involved
Photograph vehicle positions, all damage, road conditions
Exchange information with all parties

Day 1–3: Report the accident

Contact your insurer within 24–72 hours. Even if you weren't at fault or don't plan to file with your own insurer, report the incident. Your insurer needs to know in case a third-party claim or lawsuit is filed against you later.

In no-fault states, file with your own insurer for medical coverage (PIP) immediately — PIP deadlines are strict, often 14–30 days from the accident.

Week 1–2: Investigation and vehicle damage

Your insurer or the at-fault driver's insurer will inspect the vehicle and issue an estimate. This phase involves:

Adjuster inspection (physical or digital)
Fault determination based on police report, statements, photos
Property damage settlement offer

If your car is drivable and the other driver is clearly at fault, you may work directly with their insurer. If fault is unclear or disputed, using your own collision coverage is often faster.

Weeks 1–6: Medical treatment and documentation

If you were injured, this phase is the most important for the outcome of your claim. Seek treatment promptly — gaps in care are used by insurers to argue that your injuries weren't serious.

Document everything:

All medical visits, prescriptions, and therapy
Missed work days and lost income
Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
How injuries affect your daily activities

Weeks 4–16+: Injury claim negotiation

Once you've completed treatment (or reached maximum medical improvement), your insurer or attorney will send a demand letter summarizing your damages. Negotiation typically takes 2–8 weeks. Complex cases or disputed liability can take much longer.

Final settlement and subrogation

After settlement, your insurer may pursue subrogation — recovering from the at-fault driver's insurer the money they paid you. This doesn't affect you directly, but you may be asked to cooperate.

If you used your own collision coverage and the other driver was at fault, you should receive your deductible back once subrogation is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does insurance have to resolve a claim?: State laws vary, but most require insurers to acknowledge a claim within 10–15 days and resolve or deny it within 30–45 days. Some states allow more time for complex injury claims.
Should I hire an attorney after an accident?: For serious injuries, ongoing medical treatment, disputed liability, or complex situations, consulting a personal injury attorney is often worthwhile. Most work on contingency (no upfront cost). For minor damage claims, an attorney is rarely necessary.
What if the other driver disputes fault?: Both insurers investigate independently. They may review police reports, witness statements, and vehicle damage patterns. If liability remains disputed, the case may go to arbitration or litigation.
What happens to my rates after an accident?: An at-fault accident typically raises your premium for 3–5 years. The increase varies by insurer and your state. Not-at-fault accidents may also raise rates depending on your insurer. Some policies include first-accident forgiveness.