When Should I Call My Insurance Company After I Was in a Car Accident?

When Should I Call My Insurance Company After I Was in a Car Accident?

call-insurance-after-car-accident

If you’ve been in a car accident, you should call your insurance company soon after you’ve contacted the police. Some insurance companies will send an agent to help you gather information at the scene of the accident, while some will merely take information over the phone.

Informing the Insurance Company about the Accident

Immediately after an accident, you’ll want to call 9-1-1 and tend to immediate medical concerns. If possible, the next steps will be to begin collecting information, and then to call your insurance company to report the accident.

Locate your insurance card and read the information on the back. Most companies print a list of steps to take on their customers’ I.D. cards, should an accident occur.

Common post-accident suggestions insurance companies provide their customers with include:

  • Contact the police
  • Do not admit fault
  • Do not go into detail about your insurance coverage limits to anyone
  • Gather and exchange information including the year, make, model, plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number of any other involved parties
  • Call your agent

The Importance of Gathering Information

Why is there such an emphasis on collecting information if you’ve been in an auto accident? This is to protect you and help support your case should issues arise with your claim. If you or the other party decides to file a lawsuit, the information you collect could be used as evidence in the case.

In addition to the items listed above, you might also want to collect:

  • Pictures of the accident
  • Video footage of the scene with your phone
  • Witness names and numbers
  • A copy of the police report

Warning: Insurance Companies’ Shady Tactics

Indiana is a fault state, meaning that injured motorists can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. As you do this, remember that while insurance representatives from the other driver’s policy may offer sympathies and a listening ear after your accident, they have a job to do. Their interest is the company’s interest, which is: their financial bottom line.

They might try to lead the conversation in such a way that you admit fault (or at least partial fault), minimize your injuries, or discredit your claim in some way. They also might offer you a much lower settlement check than what your claim is worth, hoping that you’ll just sign and accept it out of financial desperation.

This is the reason that your third call after an accident should be to a personal injury attorney. If you’ve suffered injuries in the accident, after you call the police and your insurance company, run your case by a lawyer.

An attorney will be able to:

  • Explain your rights and responsibilities
  • Help estimate your damages
  • Inform you of whether the insurance offer is fair or not
  • Help deal with the insurance companies
  • Provide you with advice so you don’t accidentally wreck your claim
  • Prepare a strong case should you need to file a suit

Discussing Your Options with an Injury Lawyer

For legal help in Indiana after an auto accident, contact the Indiana car accident attorneys at Hensley Legal Group. Call today for a FREE no-obligation consultation.

Freddie Kincaid

As an accident victim and single father in dire need of help and at the end of my rope, somehow a gentleman named Jonathan contacted me today about my accident, and within few minutes of our conversation he had calmed me down from a 10 to a 5 and took a load of stress, anger, fear, anxiety, depression and being lost off me 50% and helped me see light at end of a dark tunnel. Thank you Jonathan.

Linda Preston

If I ever meet anyone that needs a personal injury attorney, I tell them to hire Hensley! I can’t express my gratitude enough for this firm. I don’t know what I would have done without Spencer and the things he did for me.

Twila Bishop

I have to say that I am very pleased with how Hensley handled my case. They were really quick about getting on my case and getting me a settlement. They didn't delay at all. My car accident lawyer, Phil, was amazing. He got me everything I deserved. I've already recommended Hensley to a friend who needed a good car accident attorney. I recommend that you call them, ESPECIALLY if the insurance is giving you a hard time like they tried to do to me.

Cory Clear

I have to say that I am very pleased with how Hensley handled my case. They were really quick about getting on my case and getting me a settlement. They didn't delay at all. My car accident lawyer, Phil, was amazing. He got me everything I deserved. I've already recommended Hensley to a friend who needed a good car accident attorney. I recommend that you call them, ESPECIALLY if the insurance is giving you a hard time like they tried to do to me.

Radhika Vijayakumar

All I had to do was reach out to Hensley and get them my information. They handled the rest. And they handled it like a pro. Hensley was great. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a good personal injury firm.

Elaine Pippens

All I had to do was reach out to Hensley and get them my information. They handled the rest. And they handled it like a pro. Hensley was great. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a good personal injury firm.

Rhonda Houser

They not only work hard on your case but treat you with respect. They make sure you understand what is happening and what to expect. I have full confidence in their legal abilities, and I am thankful for all the help they have given me.

Patricia Allen

Hensley Legal Group did a great job. My case took awhile to resolve but they were very nice and even sent me a birthday and Christmas card.

Sarah Stamper

Excellent people. Kind and informative throughout the process. I would recommend this firm highly. Thank you all for your commitment to my case. I feel like my family can now face the future with hope.

Doris Smith

I was so happy with the service Hensley Legal Group provided for me. They were so professional, and cared about me, reassuring me when I wasn't always in a good place. They let me know that everything was going to be alright! If I had any questions or needed anything, they were there for me, and gave me quality service.

JD Anderson

I was in a major car accident early this summer. Thanks to Forrest and the group at Hensley Legal I will never go anywhere else. Neither should you.

Jackie Badgett

I was in a bad accident, Hensley had a paralegal in my house the day after I called them. He told me what to expect and he was right on the money. They made this stressful situation so much easier. I highly recommend team Hensley. Fair and honest folks.

Earle Cooke White III

When I was in a serious truck accident and needed a great attorney to handle the matter, Rudy from Hensley Legal Group gave me that assistance.

Andrea Uhl

I used Hensley Legal Group when I was in a serious car accident back in May of 2021 and the representative that helped me through everything was Natalie, and she was fantastic. Thank you again for everything you did for me and my family!

Carrie Kuenz

I had gotten to a point with the auto insurance that I didn't have any more energy to put into negotiating, but I knew they were trying to just get me to settle, so the Hensley group was great and took that off my plate!

Addison Smith

Rudy from Hensley Legal Group was able to get them to increase their offer to not only cover my medical debt, but also a little extra to help make things easier for me.

Liana Lucinda Quiroz

The staff at Hensley Legal Group are very welcoming and were able to answer all of my questions. Anyone needing assistance with personal injury or Social Security disability, I would suggest that you reach out to Hensley Legal Group.

Sherry Stettler

The Hensley Legal Group helped my husband get his disability after a short time. We would like to thank you and we appreciate your professionalism!

Stephanie Cornelius

Hensley Legal Group handled my Disability claim. I was totally pleased with my experience with them. They were very professional and made the whole process very easy for me. Iw ill absolutely use Hensley Legal Group for any other legal issue I may have! I would give them 10 stars!!

Brad Eastes

This team was very diligent in swift response to my initial call and after referring me to one call to Social Security for some info to file, I give my strongest recommendation to any one who can use the services they provide!

Robin Verlinden

We have used Hensley Legal Group for an auto injury case and for a social security disability case and were very pleased with the outcome. Chris Czernik and Katrina Hildebrandt and their teams were kind, compassionate, and helpful. We would highly recommend them to anyone in need of assistance.

Williams Widina

My attorney is experienced and very knowledgeable about the nuances of labor law. It feels great to have such a skilled attorney on your side. I truly believe that they have The Strength to Make a Difference. I highly recommend using The Hensley Group.

Jason Kimmerling

The whole team was very professional and sincere. They really were concerned about closing my case before my injuries were healed and making sure to cover all bases regarding my accident.

Dion Hazelbaker

The whole team was very professional and sincere. They really were concerned about closing my case before my injuries were healed and making sure to cover all bases regarding my accident.

Leslie Newland

I was in an accident involving three totaled vehicles and ultimately one fatality. I’d never been in a situation like this before and didn’t know where to even start. So glad I called Hensley! They were so easy to work with and I’m sure got far more for me than I would’ve been able to get myself. They were kind, professional, and got the job done!

Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Available 24/7

Free Case Review

You won’t pay any fees until we win your case.

It’s easy - you can:

Or fill out our contact form
We respect your privacy. Your personal information will only be used by Hensley Legal Group, who may contact you using modern phone equipment, which may include auto-dialers and text.