Your questions,answered plainly.

Get to safety, call 911 if anyone is hurt, call the police, exchange information, take photos, get the names of witnesses and see a doctor — even if you feel fine. Then notify your insurer and keep every record.

Yes. Many injuries, like whiplash and concussions, have delayed symptoms. A prompt check protects your health and creates a record of your injury.

It is usually a good idea. A police report is important evidence, and many states require reporting crashes that cause injury or significant damage.

Avoid apologizing or guessing about fault, and avoid saying you are not hurt before you have been checked. Stick to facts.

You may need to give basic information, but you generally do not have to give a recorded statement or sign anything for the other driver's insurer. Many people talk to an attorney first.

Be cautious. Early offers are often made before you know the full extent of your injuries, and accepting usually ends your claim.

Personal injury protection is coverage on your own policy that pays medical bills and some lost wages after a crash, regardless of fault. It is required in no-fault states and some others.

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may help, along with PIP or medical payments coverage.

You may still have a claim. Most states reduce compensation by your share of fault instead of barring the claim entirely. A few states are stricter. The attorney you speak with can explain the rule where you live.

Every state sets a deadline, called the statute of limitations. For injury claims it is often two or three years, but in some states it is only one year — and insurance notice deadlines can be much shorter. Do not wait.

In a no-fault state, your own PIP coverage pays first for medical bills and some lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. You can usually claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering only if your injuries are serious enough to meet the state's threshold.

Insurers often dispute fault. Evidence like the police report, photos, witnesses and video can help show what really happened.

Many personal injury attorneys work on contingency, which generally means no attorney fee unless they recover compensation for you. Some case costs may still apply. Ask for the fee agreement in writing.

Not always. If you were not hurt and only have property damage, you may handle it yourself. If you were injured, the insurer disputes fault or you are unsure, a free consultation can help.

It varies — from a few months for simple claims to a year or more for serious or disputed claims. Many claims wait until your medical treatment is complete.

No one can honestly tell you without reviewing your facts. Value depends on your injuries, treatment, lost income, fault, insurance limits and your state's laws. Be wary of anyone who promises an amount up front.

Possibly. Even injuries that seem minor — like whiplash or a back strain — can involve medical bills, missed work and pain. Whether a claim is worth pursuing depends on your treatment, your state's rules and who was at fault. A free review can help you decide.

Often the trucking company's commercial insurer, but it depends on who was at fault and who employed the driver. Several insurers may be involved, including the driver's, the carrier's and the cargo owner's.

Often yes. In many states, not wearing a helmet does not bar a claim, though it may reduce compensation for head injuries if the insurer argues a helmet would have helped. Helmet laws differ by state.

Possibly. In many states, being partly at fault reduces your compensation instead of barring it. In stricter states, it can be harder. An attorney can explain how your state's rule applies.

Often the rideshare company's commercial policy applies during an active trip. If another driver caused the crash, their insurer may also be responsible. An attorney can help sort out which policy pays first.

Often yes. The claim is usually made against their insurance policy, and their insurer handles it. It does not usually mean your friend pays out of pocket.

Get to safety, call 911, get medical care and write down everything you remember about the vehicle. Report the crash to police and your insurer quickly.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when their insurance is not enough to cover your losses.

Often yes. PIP or medical payments coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage, can apply in many states even when you were cycling.

Often yes, if the driver was working at the time. Each case depends on the facts and state law.

Symptoms often appear within 24 hours, but they can take several days. See a doctor if you notice neck pain, stiffness or headaches after a crash.

Possibly. If the crash caused or worsened a herniated disc and another driver was at fault, a claim may cover treatment and other losses.

If another driver was at fault, a claim may cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and future care.

Yes. A sudden jolt — like in a rear-end crash — can cause the brain to move inside the skull.

It can be. If another driver was at fault, a claim may include treatment, lost income and pain and suffering. The value depends on your injuries and records.

Depending on the facts, it may include medical care, rehabilitation, home changes, lost income and pain and suffering. Every case is different.