Many people wonder if they’re in a minor fender bender where no claims are going to be made, or whether the claim against the other driver’s insurance will be minor if they need to tell their own insurance company about it. The fear many bears is that if you tell your insurer, they might raise your rates unfairly.
However, by not reporting the incident you could be opening yourself up to other problems. Learn your responsibilities when you’re in a minor car accident, when you need to inform the insurance company, and why you need a Chicago car accident lawyer.
Should I Notify My Insurance Company?
Anytime you are in any sort of car accident, it’s a good idea to let your insurance company know. This is true even if your company isn’t the carrier who will be paying out for the accident. In general, whenever you’re been in an accident, contact your carrier within 72 hours of the incident, especially if any claim may be filed.
Check your insurance policy to see if there are any requirements or restrictions that specify other deadlines which may be more restrictive. Some policies require the reporting of all accidents, and failure to do so could result in you losing coverage, among other penalties. Always be aware of your responsibilities under the insurance policy.
Specific Incidents
There are certain specific incidents where you should always call your insurer. These include accidents involving any injuries or significant property damage, whether it’s an auto accident or potential premises liability issues. Ask yourself if it’s possible that you might need to file a claim with your insurer regarding the incident, or whether someone else might do so. If there is even a remote possibility, always call the insurer and let them know what happened.
How to Approach the Incident
When you talk to your insurance carrier, be completely honest about what happened. Give all the details you can about the incident, the people involved, the circumstances, and the damages suffered.
There’s a difference between your carrier and the other party’s carrier, however; be careful how much information you volunteer. The other party will likely be looking for ways to invalidate your claim.
Why You Need a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer
Any time you’re facing a potential injury claim in the Chicago area, your best bet is to immediately seek the services and advice of a qualified Chicago car accident lawyer. Insurance companies know exactly what questions to ask, to cast doubt on your claim, and they will try any number of tactics to avoid paying the compensation you’re due.
A car accident attorney will know how to handle these tactics, can deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and can protect your rights every step of the way. You deserve compensation for your injuries, and the attorneys at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you get paid. Give us a call for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help with your claim today.
