When you are involved in an auto accident, you should immediately contact 911 so police and emergency services can assist. But did you know that you must also report the accident to your insurance company, even if you were not at fault? In fact, most insurance companies have a time limit for reporting crashes that involve injuries or personal property damage. Failing to report the accident in a timely manner can result in lost compensation.

Every insurer has procedures to follow when reporting an accident, but most make it as simple as they can by offering apps, websites, and toll-free numbers for you to use to make the report.

6 Steps to Follow When Reporting an Accident

Below are 6 Steps to follow when reporting an auto accident to your insurance company:

1. Report the wreck as soon as possible.

Many car insurers require you to file an accident report quickly, with some requiring notice in as little as 24 hours after the crash occurred. This short deadline can be difficult to meet if you are injured, but you do not want your delay in filing the report to result in the process of your claim being delayed or denied.

2. Provide only basic information.

When speaking with your insurance company, you should provide only the necessary information regarding the accident, such as location, time, and the parties involved. Do not discuss fault, because any admission (intentional or not) of fault on your part could lower the amount of compensation you recover. The police report will provide the information needed regarding fault. Additionally, do not discuss your injuries or state that you feel fine. Many injuries take time before the symptoms appear, so simply tell the insurance agent that you are seeking a medical evaluation and will provide the results to them.

3. Do not provide a recorded statement without legal counsel.

If your insurance company asks you to record a statement, politely decline until you obtain legal counsel. A recording can be used against you, and you can always provide a written statement later.

4. Document everything and keep records.

Take notes during every conversation you have with your insurance company, including the names of the agents or adjusters you speak with, the date and time of the conversation, and a summary of what was discussed. Having a record of all interactions can help protect your rights.

5. Review your insurance coverage.

Insurance policies can be confusing, but it is critical to understand what coverage you have and the compensation you should be awarded. Most people are aware that they have collision coverage that pays for the damage to their vehicle. However, you may also have medical payments coverage (often referred to as “MedPay”), which helps cover medical costs. Additionally, if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, your policy may have coverage that protects you.

6. Contact a personal injury lawyer.

Even if you were not at fault for the accident and the negligent driver has insurance, you should still confer with an auto accident attorney. Not only will a lawyer help you recover from the other driver’s insurance company, but he/she will review your coverage and determine if you are entitled to compensation from your insurance company.

Having a lawyer on your side can also significantly impact settlement offers. You should never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without conferring with an injury lawyer. All insurance companies strive to protect their profits, which means they will low-ball your settlement offer as much as possible. An experienced attorney will ensure that you receive just compensation for your current and future damages.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Whether you have questions about how to settle your case or you need assistance filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is wise to confer with an experienced injury attorney.

If you have been involved in a car accident or other type of personal injury case that was caused by the negligence of another party, it is important to have effective attorney representation. At Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle, our injury lawyers have been representing injured victims of accidents and insurance disputes for over 60 years. Call Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at (405) 692-7676 to schedule a FREE consultation.