Yes, you should report any accident to your insurance company that causes bodily injury and/or property damage. This is true regardless of who is at fault. Though you can still file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, there may be certain coverages that you will need to use from your own policy. Taking advantage of everything your insurance plan offers after an accident will require that you report the collision.
Furthermore, some insurance providers increase premiums or levy fees against those that do not report car accidents in a timely fashion. If you are in a state with “at-fault” insurance laws, then the only way to cover initial damages and medical costs may be through your own insurance policy. Learn more below about why you call your insurance provider after an accident.
What to do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault
If you have been injured or suffered property damage due to the fault of another driver, taking the right steps immediately afterward can be the difference between a successful personal injury claim and an unsuccessful one. Listed below are steps that can help to protect your physical and financial safety.
- Move your vehicle to a safe place (if possible)
- Check yourself, passengers, and the other driver involved for injuries.
- Seek medical attention
- Call the police and report the accident
- Exchange insurance information
- Collect evidence (pictures and videos) and identify potential eyewitnesses
- Call your insurance provider
- Contact a car accident lawyer
What You Should and Shouldn’t Say to Your Insurance Company
When you call your insurance company, it is important that you express the facts of your accident and nothing else. Do not apologize for the accident or admit fault. Furthermore, do not tell that you haven’t suffered injuries or give them a detailed report of the injuries that you may have sustained.
Your insurance company represents you, but they are still a business. If they can find a way to pay you less money, they will. It is best to seek professional medical attention and connect with a car accident lawyer before you begin an in-depth dialogue with your insurance provider.
Will My Premium go up if I am Not at Fault?
Whether your premium rises or not after you have been in an accident (that’s not your fault) will depend on many factors. Some of the most notable include your driving record, history of past accidents, type of insurance you have, as well as the provider.
If your insurer calculates that you have become a higher risk driver, then your rates may rise. In extreme cases, insurance providers may not renew your current policy if you have a history of car accidents (even if they were not your fault).
How Can I Prove Fault in a Car Accident?
Proving fault in a car accident is not always easy. If the other driver does not admit fault, then it could be your word against theirs. This is why it is imperative that you collect evidence, call the police, seek medical attention, and contact a reputable attorney.
A reputable cat accident lawyer understands how to value your case, conduct a thorough investigation, interview eyewitnesses, present your case, and negotiate with the insurance providers. Visit Fasig and Brooks to learn more.
