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Can a Car Accident Claim Be Reopened?

Published On: November 6, 2024
By: Christopher C. Dyer, Esq.

Car accidents often result from other drivers’ negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. When an accident occurs due to such negligence, victims may file claims for compensation.

In most cases, a car accident claim cannot be reopened once it is resolved through settlement or litigation. However, it can be reopened under extremely limited circumstances, like new evidence emerging or discovering undisclosed injuries.

An experienced car accident lawyer can be invaluable in these situations. They can evaluate the evidence, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for your rights. Their legal knowledge and experience ensure you and other parties consider all potential damages, maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation.

How Do Most Car Accidents Happen?

Damaged in heavy car accident vehicles after collision on city street crash site at night.Car accidents resulting from the negligence of other drivers can occur in various forms, leading to serious injuries and damages. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Rear-End Collisions: These accidents happen when one vehicle hits the back of another. They often result from tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops. Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash and other injuries, especially if the vehicle struck is at a complete stop.
  • Side-Impact Accidents: Also known as T-bone collisions, these occur when one car hits the side of another. They typically happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield. Side-impact accidents can be particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear.
  • Head-On Collisions: These serious accidents involve two vehicles crashing into each other front-first. They often result from one driver crossing into oncoming traffic, which can result from distracted driving, impaired driving, or reckless behavior. Head-on collisions usually lead to severe injuries or fatalities due to the high-impact force.
  • Single-Vehicle Accidents: These accidents involve only one car and can occur due to driver negligence, such as speeding or losing control. Drivers may also be distracted by their phones or other activities. Although they don’t involve other vehicles, single-vehicle accidents can still result in significant passenger injuries.
  • Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: These accidents involve several vehicles and often occur on highways during adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic. A single driver’s negligence, such as sudden braking or lane changing without signaling, can lead to a chain reaction. Multi-vehicle accidents are complex and can cause extensive injuries and damages.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: Drivers can also be negligent when failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or driving while distracted. These accidents often have devastating consequences for pedestrians, who are vulnerable in a collision with a vehicle.

Proving a Third-party Car Accident Claim

When filing a third-party car accident claim, you must prove several legal elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Each element requires specific types of evidence to support your case.

  • Duty of Care: The first element is establishing that the other driver had a duty of care. This means they were required to drive safely and follow traffic laws. Your attorney can use evidence like traffic laws, state regulations, or even expert testimony to prove this element. For instance, you may reference specific laws that apply to the situation, showing that all drivers must adhere to safe driving practices.
  • Breach of Duty: Next, you must demonstrate that the other driver breached this duty. This can involve reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. Evidence for this element can include police reports documenting the accident, witness statements, or photographs of the scene. For example, if witnesses saw the other driver texting while driving, their statements can be crucial.
  • Causation: The third element is causation, proving that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. You must show that the accident wouldn’t have happened if the other driver hadn’t acted negligently. Medical records are vital here, detailing your injuries and treatments. Additionally, accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene to provide evidence that links the other driver’s actions to the accident.
  • Damages: Finally, you must prove the damages you suffered from the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. To support this claim, gather medical bills, pay stubs, and documentation of any other expenses incurred due to the accident. Keeping a journal detailing your pain and emotional distress can also be beneficial.

From traffic laws establishing duty of care to medical records showing damages, each piece of evidence plays a crucial role. Strong, well-documented evidence can significantly enhance your chances of a successful claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Steps of Settling or Litigating a Car Accident Case

Gavel for judge lawyer with car on US dollar money banknotesSettling or litigating a car accident case involves several key steps, each requiring careful attention – and often the guidance of an experienced lawyer. Here’s an overview of the process and how a lawyer can benefit you at each stage.

  • Gathering Documentation: The first step is to compile all relevant documentation. This includes police reports, medical records, accident photographs, and witness statements. A lawyer can ensure that you collect all necessary documents and advise you on what evidence will be most persuasive in your case. They can also assist in obtaining copies of police reports and medical records, ensuring you don’t miss any critical information.
  • Investigating the Accident Circumstances: Understanding the specifics of the accident is essential for building your case. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing traffic camera footage, and examining the accident scene. A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, leveraging their network of professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts, to establish liability and gather compelling evidence that supports your claim.
  • Filing a Claim with the Appropriate Insurance Company: Once you have all the necessary information, the next step is to file a claim with the relevant insurance company. Your lawyer will know which insurer to contact and can prepare the claim on your behalf, ensuring that it meets all necessary legal standards. This preparation can help avoid mistakes that can delay the claims process or result in a claim denial.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Company Adjusters: After filing a claim, the insurance company will typically assign an adjuster to evaluate it. This is often a critical phase where negotiations take place. A lawyer can advocate for you during this process, using their experience to negotiate a fair settlement. They understand the tactics adjusters may use to minimize payouts and can effectively counter those strategies. Their presence can also convey to the insurer that you are serious about your claim, leading to better settlement offers.
  • Litigating the Case in Court: If settlement negotiations fail, you may need to file a lawsuit and litigate your case in court. This involves drafting and filing legal documents, engaging in discovery, and presenting your case to a judge or jury. A lawyer plays a crucial role here, handling all legal procedures, developing a strong legal strategy, and representing you in court. Their experience can significantly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

A lawyer can streamline each step, always protecting your rights and maximizing your potential compensation.

Reopening a Car Accident Claim

Reopening a car accident claim after it has been resolved is a complicated and extremely rare process, typically limited to specific circumstances. Understanding these conditions is essential for anyone considering such an action.

  • New Evidence: One of the primary reasons a claim may be reopened is the emergence of new evidence that was unavailable at the time of the original settlement. For example, if new witnesses come forward or previously unavailable surveillance footage is discovered, this information may significantly affect the case. A lawyer can evaluate whether this new evidence is substantial enough to warrant reopening the claim.
  • Fraud or Misrepresentation: If your attorney discovers that fraud or misrepresentation occurred while settling the original claim, this can lead to reopening the case. This may include situations where the insurance company withheld critical information or if the opposing party provided false statements that affected the settlement. Proving fraud requires thorough documentation and legal knowledge, making a lawyer’s involvement critical in gathering the necessary evidence.
  • Undiscovered Injuries: Sometimes, injuries sustained in an accident may not become apparent until the claim is settled. If a person develops complications or new medical issues directly related to the accident that were not initially diagnosed, this can be grounds for reopening the case. Medical documentation and expert opinions are vital in establishing a direct link between the newly discovered injuries and the accident.
  • Mistakes in the Settlement Agreement: If there was an error in the settlement agreement itself, such as clerical mistakes or miscalculations regarding damages, it may be possible to reopen the claim. Such situations typically require clear documentation to demonstrate the nature of the mistake and its effect on the settlement amount.
  • Statutory Limitations: In some jurisdictions, certain legal statutes may allow for reopening a claim within a specified timeframe, especially if new evidence arises. Understanding these legal timelines is crucial, and consulting a lawyer ensures you comply with all deadlines under state laws.

While reopening a car accident claim is rare and challenging, it is not impossible. It often requires substantial evidence, legal knowledge, and a clear justification for why the claim should be revisited. Engaging an experienced attorney is essential in these circumstances, as they can provide guidance, help gather necessary documentation, and advocate for your interests effectively.

Third-party Car Accident Compensation

Golden sign with gavel and compensationUnderstanding the types of available damages is crucial when pursuing a third-party claim or lawsuit following a car accident. Damages can be classified into three main categories: economic compensation, non-economic compensation, and punitive damages.

Economic Compensation

This category covers tangible losses your attorney can quantify with specific monetary values. Economic damages often include:

  • Medical Expenses: This encompasses all costs related to treating injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services.
  • Lost Income: If an accident prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This includes both current and future earnings if the injuries result in a long-term disability.
  • Property Damage: This refers to the costs incurred to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Additional costs such as transportation to medical appointments, home care, or modifications to your home for accessibility can also be included.

Economic damages are typically straightforward to calculate due to their reliance on invoices, pay stubs, and repair estimates.

Non-economic Compensation

Unlike economic damages, non-economic compensation addresses the more subjective, intangible losses resulting from an accident. These can include:

  • Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from accident-related injuries. Calculating pain and suffering can be complex and may involve considering the severity of the injury and its effects on daily life.
  • Emotional Distress: Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an accident. Compensation for emotional distress recognizes the psychological effects of the event.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident affects a person’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for this loss.

Attorneys use various methods to assess non-economic damages, such as multipliers of economic damages or a per diem approach.

Punitive Damages

These damages are available not to compensate the victim but to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. Punitive damages are rare and generally only apply in cases of gross negligence, such as driving under the influence or road rage incidents. The goal is to deter similar behavior in the future.

Each damage category serves a distinct purpose, and calculating damages accurately is key to achieving a fair settlement or judgment. Engaging an attorney can ensure you account for, fully calculate, and properly document all potential damages.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered injuries in a car crash, your attorney can work to resolve your claim favorably, either through settlement or litigation. If your car accident case needs to be reopened, your personal injury lawyer can determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.