If you get into a crash, you should report the accident to your insurer. Not doing so in a timely manner can cause all sorts of issues, especially if you need to fight for compensation later. Our Westchester County car accident attorneys can help you make sure that you don’t forget any important deadlines, and we’ll help you if you need help securing the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to Report the Accident in New York?
People who get involved in a crash are supposed to report the accident to their insurer within 24 hours. It’s a good idea to refer to your policy for any specifics though. Generally, the sooner you act, the better. You should tell your insurer anything you can about the accident, including:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Details about the other drivers and vehicles involved
- Whether the police were involved
- Whether someone was injured
- If there were any witnesses
Just tell your insurer the facts and get to the point quickly when they ask you questions. Don’t admit fault or say anything that might be misconstrued. Cooperate, but don’t be too eager to speak. These tips can help you protect yourself in case you need to make a claim later.
Do I Need to Report the Accident Even If No One Was Hurt?
You should report the accident even if no one was hurt or claimed to be injured at the scene. This should be done for two reasons. One, your insurance company is going to want to know about property damage. If you have a dent in your car or a broken light, that’s relevant information even if no one was injured. Two, it’s possible that you or another person involved in the crash will notice an injury later.
What Happens If I Don’t Report Quickly?
If you do not report the accident quickly, that can cause some issues. The biggest worry is that your insurer might try to deny your claim. Waiting too long to report the accident might violate your policy, or you could be accused of doing the damage to your vehicle in an unrelated incident.
Even if your claim is accepted, waiting too long to report can cause delays in the processing of your claim. If you want to repair your vehicle and get back on the road quickly, taking your sweet time is not recommended.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
A lawyer can help you if you submit a claim and your insurance company hits you with a lowball offer. They can also help if you submit a claim with another driver’s insurance company due to significant losses. Our lawyers have plenty of experience negotiating with insurers and securing the best possible compensation deal for our clients.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you were hurt in an accident and need help with your claims, we want to hear from you. Contact Hausman & Pendzick to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about what a personal injury lawyer can do for you.