Should I Call My Insurance Company After My Car Accident?

The only insurance company you should call after a car accident is your own. You must report your crash to your insurance company and explain what happened. But don’t admit any fault or go into who’s to blame. Simply state the time, date, and location of the crash. Also, mention that you sustained an injury.

When to call insurance after an accident

Most insurance companies require you to report your crash within 24 to 72 hours. However, the specific time frame for reporting a crash can vary depending on the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. 

Failing to report your car accident within the required time frame can hurt your chances of having a viable claim. It’s best practice to report your crash as soon as possible. 

Should I talk to the other insurance adjuster?

Never speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If they contact you, simply tell them that you have hired a lawyer to handle your case. All communications moving forward must be done through your lawyer. 

Anything you tell the at-fault party’s insurance company can later be used against you. Insurance companies may try to use tactics to deny or reduce your compensation. That includes offering a lowball settlement to quickly close the case out.

Each state has a statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim. In most states, it’s two or three years. In other states, it’s as low as one year and as high as six years. However, it’s best to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

The longer you wait to contact a lawyer, the more difficult it will be to build a strong claim. Evidence can disappear after a while. Plus, witnesses can forget important details regarding your car accident. If you act fast, your attorney can gather evidence while it’s fresh and use it to support your claim.

In a multi-car accident, determining which insurance company pays for the damages depends on the liability of each driver. Generally, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering the damages accrued by the other parties involved.

However, if multiple drivers share fault, they may each be responsible for their portion of the damages. Some states have “no-fault” insurance systems, where each driver’s insurance company covers their own medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault.

How long will insurance pay for a rental vehicle after a car accident?

The length of time insurance will pay for a rental car after a crash depends on the terms of your insurance policy. Insurance companies typically cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, up to the policy limits. For most large insurance companies, the limit is 30 days.

However, it can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on how complex the repairs are. It’s important to review your policy to understand the duration and limits of your rental car coverage.

If you don’t have car insurance and you were hit by another driver, you may be able to recover damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, being involved in a crash without insurance (whether you’re at fault or not) can come with consequences. 
For example, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. Plus, you could face fines and have your vehicle impounded. Unless you live in New Hampshire or Virginia, each state requires you to have car insurance to operate a motor vehicle.

To get an insurance payout for a car accident, you’ll need an experienced attorney on your side. Insurance companies often take advantage of injured motorists who don’t understand their rights or how to negotiate. A Law.com Premier Car Accident Lawyer will thoroughly investigate your crash, present the evidence to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and fight to secure a fair settlement.

Best of all, it won’t cost you any money upfront. That’s because Premier Attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you’re fully compensated. To get started on your claim, contact an attorney near you and schedule your free, no-obligation legal consultation.