3 Reasons to Wait to Call Your Insurance Agent After a Car Accident

You’ve just been in a car accident. 

Your head is hurting and your mind is spinning.

What happened? Were you at fault? Who else was involved and what is the extent of any injuries? You’re trying to sort it all out, and there’s one thing glaring in your thoughts: Will my insurance policy cover this? 

It’s tempting to reach for the phone and call your agent, asking about car insurance after accident. Yet, before you dial those numbers, read on.

Today, we’re sharing three important reasons why it’s usually best to wait in this circumstance. The less you say in this moment the better, and here’s why.

Calling Your Car Insurance After Accident: Three Reasons to Wait

We’ve long been taught that there are two important phone calls to make after any auto accident.

First, you’ll need to contact the police. Law enforcement personnel can help dispatch emergency medical services to your location, so both minor and major treatments can begin as soon as possible. When they arrive on-site, they can also file a police report with key details on the events leading up to your crash.

This report will be valuable if your case goes to court, so it’s important to make sure it’s as thorough as possible.

Then, you’re told that it’s imperative to contact your insurance company as soon as you are able to do so. Most of the time, this advice is given to help drivers mitigate any financial impact that an accident could have. Whether you are at fault or not, your policy could include benefits that will protect you down the road.

Thus, you’re told to make the call, even if you know that the other driver caused the accident and you intend to pursue an insurance claim against them.

However, most legal experts will advise against this critical next step. Let’s take a look at three reasons why this is the case.

1. You Could Share Incriminating Statements

Even if your accident was a small fender bender, you may be in a state of shock or disorientation right afterward. Or, you could also be confused and under an immense load of stress. 

As such, you’re liable to say just about anything to your insurance agent, especially if you’re flustered and nervous to make the call. It’s best to go ahead and get the medical attention you need first. This way, you will have a chance to recollect yourself and can make sure you’re presenting the details in the best light possible

Remember: As kind and understanding as your agent might be, insurance companies are looking at your case quite differently than you are. You rightfully want to get the maximum compensation you deserve. However, they simply want to close the case as quickly as possible, for as little money as possible.

This means they’re listening to every word you utter, ready to make a move if anything sounds “off” or incriminates you in any way. Immediately following an accident, put off calling your agent until you’ve had time to sort through the details of what happened.

2. You Might Not Know the Extent of Your Injuries

If you call your insurance company, one of the first questions they may ask is, “Are you injured?” 

If you do not feel any immediate aches or pains, you might quickly reply with, “No”. However, keep in mind that there are many physical damages, such as soft-tissue injuries and internal bleeding, that can be late-onset. This means that while you might feel fine now, their effects will take hold a few hours or even days later. Likewise, symptoms including bruises could take a while to manifest as well.

It’s important not to make any statements that you cannot guarantee are 100% accurate. Anything you say could be used against you in court, including claims of non-injuries. If you do not know the answer to any question that anyone asks you (including the police team), it’s always permissible to simply say, “I do not know.”

3. You Need a Personal Injury Attorney to Advise You

Your insurance company may coerce you into giving an official statement covering your version of the accident. They might ask you pointed questions to push you into a corner, such as how fast you were driving or how much distance you covered.

Especially if you weren’t at fault, you might think it’s OK to go ahead and disclose these details. Yet, you should not allow this statement to be recorded until you have appointed a personal injury attorney to represent you.

Despite the agency’s most valiant efforts to convince you otherwise, remember that you are not required by law to give a statement at the time. The insurance company could take something you say out of context or misconstrue your meaning. When this happens, it’s usually to serve their own objective, not yours. 

By partnering with a qualified attorney, you can rest assured that your next steps will be solid. You’ll also have a legal expert by your side who can intercede and contact all insurance parties on your behalf.

Injured in a Car Accident? Call Us Today

The phone calls you make right after an auto accident can help set the trajectory for how the remainder of events will follow. Although you might feel obligated to call your car insurance after accident, waiting can prove far more beneficial than speaking too soon.

Before you make a statement, declare any injuries or require more information about your policy and compensation, get in touch with our team. We’re a team of personal injury attornies experienced in handling cases just like yours.

We know that it can be difficult to know where to turn, what to do and even who to trust after your accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let’s take this next step together.