Should I Call My Insurance Company After an Accident?

Even if you are not badly injured after an auto accident, chances are that you are left with a lot of to do’s. Between speaking with the police, doctors, and mechanics or car rental shops, you want to avoid anything unnecessary to your recovery. The first question that may come to mind is this: Should you call your insurance company after an accident? After all, California is a fault state, so the other driver should be the one left with the responsibility of compensating you if he or she is to blame. But neglecting to tell your insurer about your accident can cause problems. If you are not sure about calling your insurer, give us a call. We will walk you through what you need and what to say.

When You Should Call

Generally, you should call your insurance company within a week of your accident to notify it of the collision and provide the necessary details. The insurance company may be able to provide some assistance as you recover, as well. While the damages should be covered by the person who caused your accident, some companies offer assistance, such as covering a rental car while you wait for a settlement offer from the other company. It can also hurt you in the long run to not report your accident. Even if your insurer won’t be paying for it, it can hurt your compensation and your premiums if you don’t report the crash as soon as possible.

What You Should Say

When you do report your accident, however, you need to be careful about what you say to the insurers. While they may not be the ones covering the main damages, you could see a spike in your premiums or have trouble with your claim if you present the wrong information. When talking to your insurance company, provide only the basic information it will need for your claim. Adjusters will need to know the basics, such as who was involved, when and where it happened, and what time it occurred. They generally don’t need to know anything about fault, and talking about it in front of them can help incriminate you. California recognizes “comparative negligence,” meaning that your part in the collision will make a difference in your compensation, so anything you say could be used against you.

What We Can Do to Help

After you’re in an accident, a wrong move could mean that you lose your chance at full compensation, but that’s where our lawyers can help. Knowing exactly what to say to either insurance company can be confusing, and you might have wondered whether it’s safe to speak with your insurer. Calling can help you immensely—if done correctly. At Golden State Lawyers, APC, we know what your insurer needs to know and what can endanger your claim. If you have questions about this, or if you’d like to work with us, don’t hesitate to call. We can be found at 408-279-4222 or through the form below.