Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident. Even if it’s only a minor fender-bender, a car accident can make you feel sick, upset and angry, and can even ruin your week. If the accident was serious, it can lead to years of legal and medical complications. Often, many are unaware of just how serious their car accident actually was, and many people wonder if it’s even necessary to contact their insurance company over a minor accident.
The truth is, trying to handle the aftermath of a car accident on your own is a bad idea. Learn why it’s always a good idea to contact your insurance company and a car accident lawyer after an accident, even if the damage seems fairly minor.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
When you’re in any car accident, the first thing you need to do is call first responders. Even if the damage looks really minor, you want to get medical attention for anyone who may need it. In addition, having a police report will be important should you need to pursue or defend a lawsuit later.
Talk to witnesses, exchange information with the other driver, and take any photographs you can. Then, as soon as you get home, call the insurance company.
WHY YOU NEED TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY
Calling your insurer after any accident is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, you could lose your coverage if you don’t report the accident. Many insurance agencies include a clause in the policy requiring you to report any accident within a certain period of time (often between 48 and 72 hours). Failing to do so could mean that they won’t cover the damage, and at worst, they may even drop you as a customer.
Second, you never know when you’re going to need their services. An accident may look minor at first, and then suddenly out of the blue you find out the other driver has filed suit against you, or you discover something you didn’t see at first, and you need to file suit. If you’ve talked to the insurer, you’ve already got them involved.
When you talk to them, be honest and straightforward. Stick to the facts and don’t elaborate on what happened. Don’t try to spin it or make yourself look innocent. Just say what happened and answer any questions as briefly as possible.
CALL A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
After you talk to the insurance company, it’s important to call a car accident lawyer. Never assume that any insurer — even your own — is on your side. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, and you would be surprised at the tactics they’ll take to avoid paying. A good attorney knows how to present your case, protect your rights, and get you the best chance of recovering significant damages for your vehicle.
If you’re in Florida and you need help pursuing your case, call the attorneys at Koberlein Law Offices for help and a free consultation about your case today.
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