Should I Call a Lawyer or Insurance First After a Car Accident?

Should I call a lawyer or insurance first after a car accident? Call your insurance company first to report your car accident, but be careful about what you say.

Then, speak with a New Orleans car accident lawyer, as they can help you get money for your losses from the incident through a claim or lawsuit.

Why You Should Call Insurance First Instead of a Lawyer After a Car Accident

As you debate whether to call a lawyer or insurance first after a car accident, consider what can happen if you don’t notify your insurer about the incident. Per your car insurance policy, you have to inform your auto insurer about accidents. If you don’t, you’re in violation of the policy. Because of this, your insurer may not cover your accident losses. 

Notify your insurance company promptly, but be careful not to admit fault, as this could affect your compensation. 

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers has 121 years of combined experience at our disposal. Allow us to represent and advocate for you as you proceed with an auto accident claim. We can help you get outstanding case results. Contact us today for more information. 

What Can Happen If You Call a Lawyer First After a Car Accident

In terms of whether to call an attorney or insurance first after a car accident, think about how your lawyer will respond if you reach out to them. Generally, your attorney will advise you to contact your auto insurance company if you haven’t done so already. They want your insurer to be aware of your accident so that you can minimize the risk of being held liable for it. 

Of course, if you consult with a lawyer after you connect with your insurer, your attorney can communicate and collaborate with this business for the duration of your claim. Your lawyer can share free guides and other resources with you regarding insurance claims and what they entail. If your attorney gets an insurance settlement offer, you can review the proposal with them. 

If you have a lawyer on your side, you won’t have to stress over insurance settlement negotiations. Your attorney can go back and forth with a liable party’s insurance company while you focus on your recovery from your car accident. If no settlement agreement is reached, your lawyer can take your case to trial. 

What to Tell an Insurance Company When You Call Them First After a Car Accident

For those who are worried about whether to call for help from a lawyer or an insurance company first after an auto accident, take a deep breath. Remember, your insurance company won’t necessarily blame you for your accident. With the right approach, you can provide the business with information about the incident without compromising your claim. 

Provide your auto insurer with your contact information and details about the date, time, and location of your car accident and those who were involved. Resist the urge to blame anyone for the accident, even if someone else may be at fault. You also shouldn’t say that you’re “fine.” Instead, tell your insurer that you’ll get checked and update the business later. 

Avoid saying things like you’re at fault for the incident or apologizing for it. What you say makes a difference to an insurance company. If you give indications that you’re partially or fully responsible for your auto collision, you may struggle to get compensation for your losses from the incident. 

What You Should Say to a Lawyer When You Call Them Following a Car Accident

Be open and honest with your lawyer about your car accident. Your attorney won’t make assumptions about you and your case. Rather, they want you to get the care and support you need to recover from the incident. Therefore, your lawyer will take the time to listen and learn from you and look for ways to help you get money for your accident losses. 

Your attorney can give you information about what to do after your Louisiana car accident. They want you to submit an auto insurance claim within days of the incident. Next, your lawyer can handle your insurance settlement negotiations. 

As you claim moves forward, your lawyer can prepare as if your case will go in front of a judge or jury. They may gather accident scene photos and other evidence to support your claim. Along with this, your attorney can describe what a trial entails. At this point, you will know what to expect in the event that your case is presented to a judge or jury. 

Tips for Calling a Lawyer or Insurance Company After a Car Accident

Understand the party you want to reach as you share information about your auto accident. An insurance company wants to do everything possible to avoid having to pay out claims. Comparatively, a personal injury lawyer wants to help their clients obtain compensation. Thus, your attorney may be more likely to look out for your best interests than your insurer.

Whenever possible, keep your communications in writing. This gives you documentation of the dates, times, and information shared between you and other parties. If, for any reason, an insurer delays or denies your claim, you will have documentation that may help you in a lawsuit against the party at fault for your auto accident. 

Don’t hesitate to follow up with concerns or questions regarding your claim. Your personal injury attorney can engage with your insurance company for you. This allows you to stay updated about your claim without having to contact your insurer directly. 

The Bottom Line on Whether to Call a Lawyer or Insurance First After Your Car Crash

Contact your insurance carrier, then a personal injury lawyer, after your auto accident. At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we can give you insights into whether it may be beneficial to call a lawyer or insurance first after a car accident. 

Or, if you want to file an auto accident claim or lawsuit, we can assist. For more information, schedule a free case evaluation with us.