Guides to accident claims and settlements
Last updated: November 10, 2026
Short, plain guides to the questions people ask most: what to do after a car accident, how lawyers get paid, how long a claim takes, and how class-action settlements work.
- What to do after a car accident: a checklistA checklist for the scene, the days after, the insurers and the deadline.
- How contingency fees work for accident claimsNo fee unless they win: what that means, what costs are, and what to ask.
- How long does an accident claim take?The stages of a claim, what speeds it up or slows it down, and the deadline to keep in mind.
- Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?When you can handle a claim yourself, when a lawyer helps, and what it costs.
- What is a class-action settlement?How class actions settle, who can claim, and why payouts depend on the number of claims.
- How to file a class-action settlement claimStep by step: check you qualify, find the official form, add proof, and file on time.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes these guides?
The CaseHelp team writes them as general information. CaseHelp is not a law firm, and the guides are not legal advice.
How often are they updated?
We review them when the rules or our process change. Each guide shows the date it was last updated.
Where can I get advice about my own case?
From a licensed lawyer. A free case check can introduce you to an independent partner law firm if you have a claim.
CaseHelp is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed lawyer in your state.