How to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance Company
A car accident can leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed. While you struggle to cope with physical injuries, you must also make time to talk to the insurance company and report the accident. Dealing with insurance adjusters is never easy. No matter how polite they are to you over the phone, their agenda is to settle your claim as quickly as possible for the least amount of money.
At Loewy Law Firm, our mission is simple: help you recover the money you need to move forward with your life after a car accident. We are fully committed to securing the best possible financial outcome for your unique situation. How can you obtain the compensation you deserve? We believe step one in the process revolves around how you report the car accident to an insurance company.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Insurance Claim?
Are you required to have a lawyer to file an insurance claim following a car accident? No. Should you speak to a lawyer before filing an insurance claim after a car accident? Absolutely.
Insurance companies exist for one reason: to generate profit. While they may claim to be looking out for your best interests, at the end of the day, companies need to turn a profit to stay in business. Issuing large payouts to accident victims eats into those profits. Many insurance adjusters aim to offer a speedy, low-ball settlement. They can close out your claim quickly and move on, often before you even know if the settlement amount will fully cover your financial losses. It’s a win-win situation for the company.
When you hire a lawyer to help you handle your car accident claim, you are gaining an advocate. You gain someone who can protect your rights and fight to earn you every penny you deserve. Loewy Law Firm has a lengthy track record of success in resolving car accident claims and recovering fair settlements for accident victims.
What Type of Lawyer Handles Insurance Claims
There are numerous facets to the legal profession. Identifying the type of attorney you need to handle a car accident insurance claim can seem intimidating. Most attorneys who handle car accident insurance claims are called personal injury attorneys. A personal injury attorney provides legal representation to individuals injured by the careless actions of another person. If you are hurt in a car accident, and the other driver is at fault, a personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Hiring a personal injury attorney doesn’t necessarily mean you intend to sue the other driver or the insurance company. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, help you file a claim with the insurer, and manage communication between you and the insurance company. A personal injury attorney can even negotiate on your behalf for the money you need. In the rare instances where an insurer does not wish to negotiate in good faith, your attorney can prepare to take your case to trial.
Reporting a Car Accident to an Insurance Company
If you are involved in a significant car accident, seek medical attention immediately and report the accident to the insurance company as soon as possible. Generally, you will want to notify the company within 72 hours of the collision. Many car insurance companies have strict reporting policies. If you delay contact, you may be jeopardizing your claim.
Today, there are several methods you can use to get in touch with the insurance company. Some companies will allow you to file an accident claim online or with an app. Many people stick with the traditional method of notification: a phone call. Whichever way you choose, be aware that what you say and how you say it can influence the outcome of your claim. For example, never apologize to an insurance adjuster. You may only mean to be polite. However, an insurance adjuster can take an apology as an admission of guilt. To them, “I’m sorry” could mean you believe you played a part in causing the collision. Admitting guilt can reduce the amount of compensation the insurer offers.
Also, when reporting a car accident to an insurer, many companies will ask you to provide a recorded statement. Without an attorney on your side, you should be wary of offering an official or recorded statement to an insurance company. If you neglect to mention a detail, accidentally omit information, misrepresent the incident, or embellish your account, you jeopardize your claim. Even an honest mistake in your official account can result in a denial.
If you are involved in a significant car accident, your words and actions can impact your insurance claim. To protect yourself and make the most of your claim, consider the following:
- Contact the authorities
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Exchange information
- Document the scene
- Collect witness contact information
- Contact an attorney
- Contact the insurance company
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Do not post on social media
- Keep a record of all medical expenses, repair bills, and out-of-pocket costs
An experienced Austin car accident attorney can help manage communication between you and the insurance company. A skilled attorney can also investigate the cause of the accident and obtain all available evidence to establish liability and strengthen your claim. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries. Allowing an attorney to fight for you puts you in a better position to recover the money you need.
Contact an Experienced Austin Car Accident Attorney Today for Help
A car accident can change your life. The last thing you want to deal with is prying questions from an insurance adjuster. Let a knowledgeable Austin personal injury attorney take the reins and manage your insurance claim.
At Loewy Law Firm, our legal team is ready to stand up and fight for you. We believe you deserve fair compensation for your injuries. We aren’t afraid to go head-to-head with major insurers to procure the money you need for your injuries and losses. Speak to an attorney about your situation for free. Contact our office today to set up a no-obligation consultation.