How Long Do You Have to Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company?
If you’ve suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence, you are likely unsure of how best to proceed, and you undoubtedly have questions about when to report what – and to whom. At this juncture, the most important concern is obtaining the medical attention you need and moving forward from there, which includes notifying your insurer. The bottom line is that protecting your rights and rightful compensation is key, and for that, you need an experienced Charleston, SC, car accident attorney in your corner.
The Sooner You Have Skilled Legal Counsel on Your Side, the Better
By reaching out for the skilled legal guidance of a trusted car accident lawyer early in the process, you help strengthen your claim. Yes, you should notify your insurance company if you’ve been involved in a car accident – even if the other driver caused it and is responsible for your losses. It’s also important to know, however, that your insurance company is motivated by profits rather than by your best interests, which makes proceeding with caution advised.
You Have an Obligation to Report
Most car insurance policies include a notice provision, which makes it the policyholder’s legal responsibility to notify their provider in relation to any accidents. Even if the other driver is at fault and you’ll be filing your claim with their provider, notifying your insurance company is required. Doing so can also help establish the details of the accident and can better protect you in the event that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured or that their provider attempts to deny fault.
The best policy is to report any accidents to your insurance provider as soon as you can. While doing so within 24 hours is ideal, it’s not always possible. It’s important to note that your practiced car accident attorney can notify the insurance company and communicate with them on your behalf, which can help bolster your rights from the outset.
Proving Fault
While it may be very clear to you that the other driver caused the accident in question, such as if they sped through a red light and T-boned you in an intersection, this doesn’t mean that their insurance company is going to automatically admit fault. Proving fault in a car accident claim generally hinges on the available evidence, including forms like the following:
- The police report generated and any traffic tickets that were issued
- The testimony of eyewitnesses and any photos or videos taken by bystanders
- Dashcam footage, as well as any videos taken by security or traffic cameras
- Accident reconstruction models
- The testimony of expert witnesses
- The physical details of the accident, including skid marks, the transfer of paint from vehicle to vehicle, and their landing positions
Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Charleston, SC, Car Accident Lawyer Today
If another driver leaves you injured, Wyndham Law Firm has an accomplished Charleston car accident attorney who appreciates how important your claim is to your future and is committed to protecting your rights in pursuit of your rightful compensation. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 843-279-5312 today.