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Whenever you are involved in a car accident in Virginia, it is important that you contact your auto insurance agent or carrier as soon as possible. This imperative applies whenever there is any type of damage or injury, no matter who was at fault.

The Commonwealth of Virginia allows drivers to operate their vehicles on the roadway even if they don’t meet the state requirements for carrying car insurance. So after an accident you may wonder, Should I call my insurance if it wasn’t my fault?

The fact that Virginia law does not require drivers to carry insurance means that the answer is yes. Even if you didn’t cause your accident, your auto insurance company could have to pay out for your injuries and other damages if the other driver is uninsured.

Notifying them immediately is the first step to making sure your claim gets paid in a timely manner.

If you have questions about what your next steps should be after an injury accident, contact River Run Law to speak to one of our experienced Virginia car accident attorneys.

Our firm is committed to providing our clients with the highest possible level of professionalism, responsiveness, quality, and value. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.

Should I Call My Insurance Company After a Minor Accident?

If another party (or parties) was at fault for an injury accident, you should report the incident to their insurance company as soon as possible.

This can help establish the legal basis for your claim. However, you must also report any accident to your own insurance carrier. Consult your policy documents or contact your insurance agent to learn more about your specific reporting requirements.

When you contact the insurance company, provide them with basic information only. This typically includes the date, time, and location of the accident.

It also includes contact information for other involved parties. You should not, however, speculate about why the accident occurred or who was at fault. Do not provide a recorded statement, even to your own insurance company, until you speak with an attorney.

Why Is Reporting a Virginia Car Accident to Your Insurance Company Critical?

Many insurance companies limit the time you have to report an accident. Even if you aren’t sure whether your insurer imposes this requirement, it’s always better to be safe.

But who pays for your injuries, lost income, emotional trauma, etc., if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance? If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you could recover the compensation you need from your own auto insurance company.

Accident victims often ask us, Should I call my insurance if it wasn’t my fault? Again, the answer is yes. Call your insurance company no matter who was at fault. In many cases, determining fault requires an extensive investigation or even accident reconstruction.

You might believe you were at fault, but you can’t know everything that occurred before and during the accident. 

Should I Talk to the Other Insurance Company After an Accident?

Whether you believe someone else caused your injuries or not, never talk to another driver’s insurance company. The insurer will likely contact you after an accident and request a recorded statement. Don’t provide a statement until you speak with an attorney.

Finally, if the insurance company offers a settlement or wants to discuss any payments to you, call an attorney immediately. Insurers often try to undervalue claims and hope accident victims will accept their offer.

If you do, you will likely sign away any rights you have for further compensation.

Contact a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Today for Help

After a car accident or any motor vehicle collision, talk to one of the experienced Virginia personal injury attorneys at River Run Law. We are a small, boutique firm that provides exceptional service for our clients.

Call now to schedule your no-cost consultation with a Richmond car accident lawyer.

You can also contact us online to learn more about your obligations to your insurance company after an accident.

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Brooke Alexander

Brooke graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke worked for five years in private practice with a law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation before becoming the trial litigator for Allstate Insurance Company in the metro Richmond area.

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