Why Contact Your Auto Insurance Agent After a Collision
After an auto accident, there are many reasons why you should contact your insurance company. All insurance companies will require their policyholders to notify them of a motor vehicle collision as soon as possible. In many cases, this time frame is 48-72 hours. This information can be found in your policy. Notifying the insurance company of a collision allows them to conduct an investigation as soon as possible, and will help to kick off the claims process, ensuring you obtain the compensation you need for medical bills and lost wages, quickly.
Reporting a Motor Vehicle Collision to Your Insurance Company
After you have spoken with the police and received medical treatment for your injuries, it’s important that you notify your insurance company about the accident right away. When you contact the insurance company, provide as many details as possible, including only the facts.
Notifying the insurance company promptly allows the claims adjuster to gather accurate information about the collision, assess damages, and process the insurance claim faster.
Additionally, most insurance policies will require immediate notification of a motor vehicle collision, which means delaying reporting the accident may jeopardize your claim or could result in the loss of coverage.
Verifying Your Coverage
During this time, it’s important to understand what types of coverage are included in your policy. This knowledge can help you determine whether expenses such as medical bills or vehicle repairs will be covered depending on the circumstances of the accident.
When speaking with the claims adjuster, make sure you ask questions if any portion of the policy is unclear to you. They can provide an explanation regarding what is and isn’t covered under your policy and what your policy limits are.
Why Do Some Drivers Fail to Report An Auto Accident?
Many drivers are reluctant to report auto accidents to their insurance companies because they’re afraid reporting the collision will cause their premiums to increase. However, failing to report a collision can result in the loss of coverage or can cause your premiums to increase significantly since the insurance company will consider you a risk due to your failure to report the incident.
What Information Do I Need to Provide to My Insurance Company?
When you contact your insurance company to report the accident, you must provide them with the following information:
- The contact information of all parties involved
- The law enforcement agency that responded to the scene of the accident
- The time, date, and location of the accident
- Details about your injuries and other damages
- If possible, provide photos of your injuries and vehicle damage
During this time, it’s important that you provide only the facts. Make sure the information is accurate and clear. The information you provide can work against you if the claims adjuster finds any discrepancies.
Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer to handle your claim can allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries and moving on with your life, without dealing with the stress that often comes with insurance claims and lawsuits. A car accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your claim, including negotiating a settlement with the insurance company.
If you suffered a serious injury, they can also file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf against the negligent driver, and help you obtain the damages that your insurance policy did not cover.
Contact Us Today
At Friedland & Associates, we recognize that a car accident can leave a lasting impact on every aspect of your life. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, the toll can be overwhelming. Our car accident attorneys will go above and beyond to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild and move forward. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced member of our legal team.
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