How Long Does an Accident Stay On Your Record?
There’s nothing like a fender bender to have you pondering your permanent driving record. Even the most mild of accidents must be reported in order to rectify the situation. If you’re curious about how long an accident stays on your driving record after it’s all said and done, you’re not alone. There’s a whole system that your driving record is subject to after an accident, and we’re glad to walk you through the nitty-gritty details.
Everything you need to know about car accidents and your driving record
Most people are in shock after a motor vehicle accident. And not just immediately after, but for the days and weeks to come. The length of time that an accident will stay on your driving record depends on a series of factors – each subject to the parameters within your insurance policy and state law. There are many variables that ebb and flow based on the infrastructure of the law, and impact your potential compensation.
For most accidents where you are determined to be at fault, points remain on your license between 3 to 5 years. If serious violations are issued by the officer at the scene of the accident, they may remain on your record for up to 10 years. These timelines are dependent on the violations you’re issued at the time of the accident. It’s important to note that because Florida is a no-fault state, being ticketed at the scene does not automatically assign fault with the insurance companies. The insurance companies will conduct an investigation of their own, and citations are one portion taken into account during that investigation.
What if the accident wasn’t your fault?
In the state of Florida, if you get into a car accident that isn’t your fault, that accident will not go on your permanent driving record. Within the limits of your policy, each driver's insurance company provides coverage and lost wages. With proper legal support, it’s possible to seek additional compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company through a personal injury lawsuit.
What does an accident mean for my insurance premiums?
Car accidents can have an impact on your insurance premium depending on the dynamic range of contributing factors. It’s possible that your insurance premium could increase, not change at all or relinquish any discounts you may have acquired.
How can you get back into good graces with your insurance after your accident?
Once you’ve experienced an accident, you begin to reestablish trust and reliability with your insurance company. So, how does someone go about getting back into the good graces of their insurance?
Reporting your accident is the first step of the claims process. Many times, you may be unsure of what to say or provide, or how to navigate the cumbersome and convoluted language of your policy. You may have questions or want to have an attorney handle this on your behalf to make sure no stone is left unturned and make sure the claim is being handled fairly.
It’s important to have an attorney advocating on your behalf. An experienced attorney will be able to handle your case from initiation, guiding you along the way and working with you to provide documents, statements or other pertinent information needed to your insurance company. The insurance companies will work to protect themselves, so it's important to have a team fighting to protect you.
How to mitigate the impact an accident will have on your insurance plan
Accidents happen. In fact, it’s for this very reason that insurance companies exist at all.
Mitigating the impact of a car accident on your insurance plan requires a lot of actionable items and preventative thinking. Staying in communication with your insurance company during the claims process is essential. It shows that everything is being handled correctly, and also shows the insurance company that you are willing and able to collaborate. If you have decided to hire counsel to represent you, it's important to keep the communication open with your attorney as they will work on your behalf with the insurance companies for a resolution.
Bundle your insurance policies to get the most out of your dollar
If you have renters insurance, auto insurance, and health insurance, consider putting them together to give yourself some breathing room and reap the benefits of a bundled plan. Consider your coverage levels and continue to shop around for policies that meet your post-accident needs.
It is important when discussing a driving record, you are clear on what that means. Individuals actually have three records: your criminal record, your administrative record and insurance records. Generally, traffic offenses cannot be sealed or expunged from criminal or administrative records and remain in perpetuity. While there are rules about accumulating points within certain timeframes, accumulated points fall off after a certain period of time. Conversely, insurance records are unique to the provider and depending on the company, prior accidents may or may not be considered as part of a determination of your rates or coverage.
Let Busciglio, Sheridan, and Schoeb guide you through your personal injury case
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit alone is something we wouldn’t wish for our own friends and family. Established legal counsel helps you navigate the insurance claim process after an accident. We’re ready to help you find the support you truly need to be well and get back on the road. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation for your personal injury claim.