Subrogation and Injury

06/14/2022

If you have recently been hurt in a car accident, you may have come across the term “subrogation.” In subrogation, one party, usually an insurance company, is entitled to collect money from the at-fault party for expenses paid on your behalf. If you plan to file an injury claim, it is important to understand the ins and outs of subrogation.

How Subrogation Works

If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else, you have the right to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and other losses. However, it may take a while to settle your claim. Meanwhile, your medical bills are piling up and you are feeling stressed. Your own insurance company may agree to foot the bill for your medical expenses.

If you win your accident case, your insurance company may ask to be reimbursed through subrogation. The compensation will come from the insurance company of the driver responsible for the accident.

Subrogation and Personal Injury Settlements

Subrogation was a process created to prevent insurance companies from having to pay for damages they are not liable for. In a successful subrogation case, the insurance company will be reimbursed. If you had to pay for insurance deductibles, you will be reimbursed as well.

If you win your accident case, your insurance company may ask to be reimbursed through subrogation. The compensation will come from the insurance company of the driver responsible for the accident.

Statute of Limitations for Subrogation Claims

Just like there are certain deadlines for filing personal injury claims, there are deadlines for pursuing subrogation claims. This is the statute of limitations. In Washington D.C., insurance companies have three years to file a subrogation claim. If an insurance company does not bring a claim within that time frame, they will be banned from filing the claim forever.

Seeking the Assistance of a Lawyer

Subrogation laws can be quite tricky. In some cases, some insurance companies may try to add a waiver of subrogation clause that keeps your own insurance company from getting reimbursed for previously paid claims. This can definitely put you in an uncomfortable situation. That is why it may be a good idea to seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will look out for your best interests and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, you may want to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer, like one from Cohen & Cohen. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

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