When you are involved in an accident with another driver, it’s imperative to take the necessary steps, including exchanging your insurance information with the other driver. However, once you exchange information, knowing what to do with it is critical. As such, the following blog explores the steps you must take to file a claim with your insurance agency, including how long you can file a report with your insurance company and the information you should include with your report. You’ll also discover the importance of discussing your legal options with an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer who can assist you with any issues you may face.
How Long Do I Have To Report an Accident to My Insurance Company?
In the event you are involved in an accident, you may wonder when you must report the accident to your insurance company. You may assume you’ll have time between the accident and filing the report, but it’s generally in your best interest to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. You should check your policy to determine if your insurer has a set deadline by which you must report the collision.
It’s recommended to file the report quickly for a number of reasons. The sooner you report the accident to your insurer, the sooner you can receive help. Additionally, you’ll find that your insurance company would rather hear about the accident from you than the other party’s insurer.
You should note that failure to report the accident to your insurance company within a reasonable timeframe can have serious consequences. Generally, if you delay your claim, it can result in a denial. As such, you will be unable to recover the compensation you are entitled to for the damages you’ve endured, even if the other party is liable for the collision.
What Should I Include When Reporting an Accident?
When reporting a car accident to your insurance company, it’s important to provide as much detail as possible to prevent additional delays and issues with recovering the compensation you deserve. Generally, you should include the following information:
- The time, date, and location of the accident
- Information about both cars involved, including makes, models, license plate numbers, and VINs, if available
- The police report obtained from the scene
- Medical bills or reports from the scene
- Witness statements and contact information
- Photos and videos taken at the scene
If you are asked to provide a statement to your insurance company, it’s generally in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney first. Making a mistake when providing the statement can result in denied or delayed claims. Additionally, if you file a claim against the negligent party responsible for the accident, they can use the statement you’ve provided to the insurance company against you, so ensuring it is accurate can help you later down the line.
When you need help, the team at Tropical Injury Law Firm is ready to assist. We understand how difficult these legal matters can be. That’s why our dedicated legal team can assist you through these issues to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to from your insurance company when you are injured in a car accident.
