Unless you have been involved in a car accident in the past, it is easy to underestimate the number of things you need to do to protect your health and legal rights in such a scenario. Some of these steps, like visiting a doctor or going to the hospital, might seem obvious, though you may wonder why you need to call your insurance company after a Maryland car accident.
If you suspect you have sustained anything more than a minor injury, getting medical attention is crucial. Likewise, speaking with an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer will help you ascertain what compensation you can receive for your injuries and from whom. And in much the same way, there are key benefits to notifying your insurance company of the incident.
4 Reasons Why You Should Call Your Insurance Carrier After a Crash
In an at-fault car accident state like Maryland, calling your insurance company after any crash you’re involved in might not make sense at first; after all, if another driver is responsible for the wreck, it is their insurance policy, not yours, that should pay your claim. Be that as it may, there are several reasons why we recommend that you reach out to your insurance company to report the accident:
Your Insurance Contract Requires It
Your insurance agreement is a contract that spells out the rights and obligations of both you and your carrier. Failing to fulfill your obligations can relieve your insurer of its duties under the agreement. For example, if you do not pay your premiums as agreed, your insurer can refuse to cover your losses in the event of a crash or other incident. Similarly, most insurance companies require you to report any motor vehicle accident you are involved in. If you fail to do so promptly, your insurance company can deny any claim you may file later.
Your Insurer Can Process Your Claim Faster
Another benefit of notifying your insurance company after a crash is the speed with which your insurer can process a claim. After a car wreck, you can choose to file a claim with your insurer or that of the at-fault driver. If you have property damage or medical bills, notifying your insurer and initially filing your claim with them may make more sense.
Additionally, just because you believe the other driver was to blame, this does not mean that they or their insurer will share that conclusion. In fact, they might not begin to offer any kind of settlement offers until they have been able to investigate the crash for themselves. That process, however, can take several weeks, and it may result in your not immediately receiving the entire amount of your claim.
No matter who is ultimately determined to be at fault in your crash, though, the bills and invoices you incur will still need to be paid. By notifying your insurance company and filing a claim with them, they can authorize medical treatment while you wait for your claim to be fully resolved.
Knowing when and how to submit a claim to your insurer after a crash can be confusing. Let experienced Maryland attorney Steven H. Heisler help. Contact his office today at (410) 625-4878.
The Other Driver Might Be Uninsured
You might not have time to gather much information about the other driver at the scene of your accident, which means it could be days or weeks before you realize the at-fault driver was not fully insured as required by law. Maryland mandates that all auto insurance policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but such coverage is available only if you notify your insurer promptly.
Your Losses Might Be More Substantial Than You Think
It can be difficult to comprehend the extent of your injuries, property damage, and losses immediately following a car accident in Maryland. As a result, you might initially decide that you can handle the repairs yourself as opposed to filing a claim with your insurance company. However, as the bills roll in and the expenses mount, you may rethink your decision and decide to file a claim after all. If you wait weeks or longer before reporting the crash, you might have trouble remembering when, where, and under what circumstances the wreck occurred, which can make it difficult for you to obtain compensation for your claim.
Reporting your accident to your insurer protects your rights if you later need to file a claim for damages.
The Difference Between Reporting an Accident and Filing a Claim
Some individuals are hesitant to speak with their insurance companies after being in a crash, believing that doing so will cause their insurance rates to increase. However, there is a difference between notifying your insurance company about a wreck and filing a claim against your policy: Notifying your insurer creates a record of the crash and does not lead to a rate increase. Similarly, just because you report an accident to your insurance carrier, this does not mean you must proceed with filing a claim.
Tips for Reporting a Maryland Car Crash to Your Insurance Company
Reporting an accident to your insurance company takes minutes and — ideally — should be done within a few days of the crash so that the details of the wreck are still fresh in your mind. Once you contact your insurer, you should . . .
- Provide the date, time, and location of the accident, along with any other relevant information.
- Give a short description of the accident, but discuss only what you know with certainty and do not agree to provide a recorded statement without first talking with your lawyer.
- Document the date and time you spoke with your insurer and the name of the person with whom you spoke.
- Be aware of your policy’s coverage and time limitations so that you can timely file a claim later if you choose to do so.
An experienced attorney can help you make a report to your insurer and file a claim if you feel unprepared or anxious about doing so.
How Your Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Wreck
Contacting your insurer following a crash may not seem necessary if you do not believe you were to blame. However, there are several reasons why you need to call your insurance company after a Maryland car accident. And once you do call and report your crash, speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer about your legal rights should be your next top priority.
Contact Steven H. Heisler today at (410) 625-4878 to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation.