Car accidents are stressful and confusing. One of the most common questions people ask is, “Do I call my insurance after a car accident?” The short answer is yes, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible after a collision.
However, you should never speak to the other driver’s insurance company after a car accident without legal advice. A Cumming car accident lawyer can communicate with the at-fault driver’s insurance and guide you through the claim process.
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve after a car wreck.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, taking the right steps after an auto accident is crucial for your safety and any legal or insurance claims you may need to file. Here’s what you should do immediately after a car accident in Georgia.
Call the Police
Always call 911 after a car accident, even if it seems minor. A police officer will come to the scene, assess what happened, and create an official accident report. This report is vital evidence for your insurance claim or personal injury case. Georgia law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage.
Exchange Information
While waiting for the police to arrive, calmly exchange information with the other driver. Get their:
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
Avoid discussing fault or apologizing. What you say could be used against you later.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able to do so, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. This can include:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The position of vehicles on the road
- Skid marks, traffic signs, or signals
- Road conditions or weather
- Visible injuries
Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the crash.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s smart to get checked by a medical professional after a crash. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care protects your health and documents your injuries for your claim.
Call Your Insurance After a Car Accident
You should call your insurance company after a car accident. Most policies require you to report the accident within a certain time frame, even if you weren’t at fault. Provide the basic facts, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. Stick to what you know for sure.
Let your insurer know:
- The time, date, and location of the crash
- The names of people involved
- The make and model of the other vehicle
- That you called the police to report the wreck
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Before you speak to the other driver’s insurance company or accept any settlement offer, call a car accident attorney in Cumming, GA. At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we know how to protect your rights and negotiate with insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your claim.
Should You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
After a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company may call you. They might seem friendly and say they just want your side of the story, but don’t be fooled. Their job is to protect their bottom line, not help you.
You are not required to speak with the other driver’s insurance company, and doing so can hurt your case.
Here’s why you should avoid speaking to the other insurance company without a lawyer:
- They may twist your words. Even simple statements like “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see them” can be used against you to deny or reduce your claim.
- They may ask for a recorded statement. Never give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. You have no legal obligation to do so.
- They may pressure you to settle. Insurance companies often offer quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.
It’s best to have a trusted Cumming car accident lawyer communicate with the other insurance company. If they call you, politely tell them your attorney will be in touch.
How to File a Car Accident Claim If You Are Not at Fault
Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for any damages. In other words, if someone else causes a crash, their insurance company is typically responsible for paying your medical bills, car repairs, and other losses.
If you’re not at fault, you have the right to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is called a third-party claim. It’s important to let an experienced attorney handle communication with the at-fault driver’s insurer. A Cumming car accident lawyer can build a strong case, gather evidence, and negotiate for the full compensation you’re entitled to.
In some situations, your insurance may come into play. For example, if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance or has none, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How Can a Cumming Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Dealing with insurance companies and legal claims after a car accident can be overwhelming — especially if you’re injured or recovering. That’s where a skilled attorney makes all the difference.
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we have years of experience helping car accident victims in Cumming and across Forsyth County.
Communicate With Insurance
We’ll take over all conversations with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a settlement.
Investigate the Accident
Our legal team will gather evidence, review the police report, speak with witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to prove liability.
Calculate the Value of Your Claim
We’ll evaluate all the damages you’ve suffered: your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical costs, and more.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies know we mean business. We’ll fight for a full and fair settlement, and we won’t let them take advantage of you.
Go to Court if Necessary
If the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, we’re ready to take your case to trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going to court, giving you the strongest possible position.
Call Our Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation!
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Cumming, you’re not alone. The aftermath of an accident can be confusing, and knowing who to call can make all the difference. When asking yourself, “Do I call my insurance after a car accident?” remember:
- Notify your insurance company after a car crash, but stick to the facts.
- Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer.
- Call a Cumming car accident lawyer who can protect your rights from the start.
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal stress so you can focus on healing.
Call (770) 888-8901 or fill out our online contact form for a free case review. Our team speaks English and Spanish.
