How Long Do I Have To File An Insurance Claim After An Accident?

Posted on by agentinsure

If you are involved in an auto accident in Sandy, UT, you may be curious about how long you have, after the incident, to file an insurance claim. While it is always best to contact The Smith Insurance Group, Inc. immediately after the incident, there may be reasons you decide to file an insurance claim at a later date. Here is what you need to know about the time frame you have to file an insurance claim. 

Vehicle And Personal Property Damage 

After an accident, one of the first things you should do is contact your insurance company. To file an insurance claim for any possible damages, you will have the option to either file with your own insurance company, called a “first-party” claim, or against the other driver’s insurance, called a “third-party” claim. 

According to Utah Code section 78B-2-305, if your vehicle or other Sandy, UT personal property was damaged as a result of a vehicular accident, any lawsuit regarding that claimed damage must be filed within three years of the date of the incident.  

Bodily Injury 

According to Utah State Law, any person in your vehicle who suffers a bodily injury is required to submit their claim to your insurance company. For each person incurring an injury, the first $3,000 in medical expenses will be covered by your The Smith Insurance Group, Inc. policy under Personal Injury Protection before they can file a claim with the other party’s responsible insurer. 

Is There A Time Frame For Concluding My Claim? 

If you fail to file a suit or accept a final settlement before the statute of limitations is up, you can jeopardize your right to receive any settlement. You are required to either file a lawsuit or accept a final settlement offer within the time frame required by specific statutes of limitations: 

  • For property damage claims – The time frame is three years from the date of the accident. 

  • For bodily injury claims – The time frame is four years from the date of the accident. 

Reach out to The Smith Insurance Group, Inc. for an auto insurance policy and a quote. Our agents are ready to help walk you through the insurance process.