Do I Have to Talk to the Insurance Company After a Crash? 

 Posted on June 13, 2024 in Personal Injury

Every driver is legally required to have car insurance in Colorado. However, many drivers do not understand the insurance policies they buy. Even more drivers are not familiar with the clauses in the contracts they sign with the insurance companies. This article will discuss whether a driver has an obligation to talk to his or her insurance company after a car accident.

It is important to remember that while you have a contract with the insurance company and you pay them money, their goal is the opposite of yours: they want to pay you as little compensation as possible, while you want them to pay you as much compensation as possible. Therefore, it is always a good idea to involve a car accident attorney if you get into a collision, and certainly when you deal with insurance companies.

Do I Have to Talk to My Insurance Company?

You have a contractual duty to contact your insurance company after you have been in a car accident. If you do not report the accident within a reasonable time, the insurance company can deny your claim. However, keep in mind that the insurance adjuster will be listening for details about the accident that could absolve the company from fully compensating you for damages, or from compensating you at all. Therefore, it is important to know which details to share with your insurance company after a collision.

What Details Should I Report to My Insurer?

When you report your accident, you need to tell the insurance adjuster the necessary information he or she needs to file the claim. These include:

• The location of the accident

• The date and time of the accident

• Details about the parties involved, such as the other driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance details

• The names and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident

• Any injuries you sustained or any damage done to your vehicle

What Details Should I Not Report to My Insurer?

You should tell your insurance company the facts about the accident. Always tell the truth but avoid speculation about what you think happened or what might have caused the collision. Certainly, avoid making any statements that could be understood as an admission of fault. The more unnecessary information you offer, the higher the chances are that you will talk yourself out of an adequate payout.

Contact a Fort Collins, CO Car Accident Lawyer

Many drivers find themselves overwhelmed after a car crash. Some do not report the crash to their insurance companies on time, and those who do report it are not sure which details to share with the insurers. That is why you should involve a Larimer County, Colorado car accident attorney at the earliest possible opportunity after a collision. An attorney will communicate directly with the insurance adjuster and share the necessary details.

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we are highly experienced in dealing with insurance companies. Our excellent attorneys will study your insurance policy and fight to get you the most compensation possible for any damages. Bring your case to us by calling 970-225-2190 today.