If an Insurance Company Fixes My Car, Does That Mean They Have to Pay for My Injuries?

No, just because an insurance company agrees to pay for your car repairs does not mean they automatically accept liability for any injuries you suffered in the same accident. Property damage and personal injury claims are separate components of a car accident case, and insurers often handle them independently.

For example, in a minor rear-end collision, the insurance company might acknowledge that their insured caused damage to your car but argue that the accident could not have caused any actual injury to you. This distinction is particularly common in low-speed accidents where the visible property damage is minor. While the insurer may quickly pay for repairs, they might still dispute the legal causation of your injuries or argue that your medical issues are unrelated to the crash.

Your personal injury claim must still be proven separately, establishing that the other driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries. For individuals seeking compensation for injuries, it is crucial to understand that accepting a car repair payment does not limit your right to pursue a personal injury claim. You should document your injuries, seek medical care promptly, and consider consulting a personal injury attorney to ensure your claim is properly handled.

An attorney can help navigate the process and advise on how to communicate with both your insurer and the at-fault party’s insurance company, ensuring that your right to compensation for injuries is preserved even if property damage is already being addressed.