Should I Call My Insurance Company After an Accident?
When you begin paying for your insurance coverage, you expect to be covered in case of an accident. Unfortunately, the insurance company is a for-profit business, which means your safety and recovery often comes second. You might be asking, “Should I call my insurance company after an accident?”
Although you will need to notify your insurer if you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle collision, you should also retain the services of a qualified lawyer. Consider reaching out to an experienced attorney from Kooi Law to protect your claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
Notifying the Insurance Company
When you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Of course, you’ll want to speak to the police and seek medical care first, but informing your insurer quickly can ensure that your claim process begins quickly, too.
If you weren’t at fault for your accident, your insurance company might offer you a settlement, and then pursue compensation from the other company in a process called subrogation. In an ideal situation, your insurer will offer you a fair and reasonable settlement—one that covers any and all accident-related expenses, such as medical care, damage to your vehicle, and any physical or mental therapy.
Be Careful When Discussing Your Claim
However, calling the insurance company can affect your claim. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, which means they’ll do whatever they can to protect their money. That means they can and will use anything you say in the call against you.
For example, it’s important not to say anything that suggests you were at fault for the accident. The insurance company could use that to reduce your settlement or refuse to settle at all. If you take your claim to court, they might use your words as evidence against you there, too.
A car crash lawyer can help you negotiate with them, starting with the initial notice that you were involved in a car accident. They can help you keep your call only to the essentials and decide how to address your claim.
Talk to a Lawyer First
We pay into our insurance premiums to receive coverage after an auto accident. But, after an accident, you might be wondering whether you should contact your own insurance company. If the other driver was at fault, should you contact that driver’s insurance company? Don’t worry, this situation is bound to be confusing, especially if you’re injured.
Although you might need to notify your insurance company after an accident, the best thing you can do is contact a lawyer, too. Our team of attorneys at Kooi Law have years of experience dealing with profit-focused insurers, and we’ll make sure you aren’t taken advantage of during this difficult time.
We’re proud to offer free, no-obligation claim assessments. We’ll discuss your wreck, walk you through the claim process, and explain how we can help you secure maximum compensation for your losses. Reach out by calling 317-569-1335 or by completing the following online form.
