Should I Call the Insurance Company After an Accident?

If you are wondering, “Should I call the insurance company after an accident,?” the answer is yes and no.

You are required to notify your insurance company after an accident.  If you hire an attorney, the attorney can report the accident for you.  Failure to report an accident to your own insurance is a policy violation, putting your coverage at risk.  Failure to report an accident could result in the insurance company denying your entire claim, including defending you in a lawsuit brought against you.

You do not have to, and generally should not contact the other driver’s insurance company.  NEVER give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.  This is much better handled by an attorney, especially if you are injured.  Any information you provide to the other insurance company can and will be used against you if you bring a claim.  They might ask you about your injuries, which may not have been fully diagnosed, and will use that information to minimize your claim.  It might be tempting to try to settle your property damage claim directly with the other car’s insurance company.  This might be a good idea if the police report clearly puts the fault on the other car, but if the liability is not crystal clear, you could be jeopardizing both your property damage and personal injury claims by speaking to the insurance company.

The safest thing to do is have a consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney before contacting the insurance company.  So, if you are wondering, “Should I call the insurance company after an accident,” call a lawyer.  This way you will be sure that you are doing the right thing in your particular circumstances.

For more information, read the articles below:

Car Accidents

When you’re injured in a car accident – don’t refuse the ambulance!