West Virginia is close to the top of the list for states with the most injuries and fatalities that take place as a result of serious car crashes every year. Thousands of accidents end in injuries and fatalities each year, many of which can be prevented when drivers act with care on our roadways. You might wonder where your insurance company comes into play with the process that follows an accident.
Regardless of who is at fault for your accident, contacting your insurance company should be one of your top priorities when you are determining your next steps to deal with your accident. Any time that you have sustained serious damages or have been physically harmed as a result of an accident, it is imperative that you contact your own insurer so that they can get a head-start on protecting your rights and letting you know how they will help you every step of the way with your claim.
Today, we want to focus on when it is a good time to call your insurer after the accident and what you should expect.
When to Call Insurance Companies Following a West Virginia Car Accident
Everyone knows that calling insurance companies after an accident is one of the first steps that you should take and one that should never be missed under any circumstances. However, when is it the right time to speak with your insurance adjuster after an accident?
By rule of thumb, it is imperative that if you are able to, you should call your insurance provider about 72 hours after an accident when you are looking to file a claim. This is due to the fact that many policies will include information that states that you must speak with them in a reasonable amount of time if you want them to handle your case. Here are some reasons to contact your insurer:
- You have received injuries in a car accident caused by another party or your accident led to significant property damage.
- A guest or visitor has been injured on your property, which will likely fall under homeowner’s insurance.
If you believe that your accident might qualify for contacting the insurance company, it is better to be safe than sorry and get ahold of them at your earliest convenience.
What to Expect When Speaking with Your Insurance Provider
Speak with your insurance provider about the many details that are important in your case, including the circumstances leading up to the accident, potential witnesses, those who were injured, and the property damages that you sustained. You never want to lie to the insurance company and you should always give them an open and honest account of what took place. From the first to the last call, you might be feeling overwhelmed, but it is important to give as much information as possible so that they can work with you.
How a West Virginia Car Accident Attorney Can Help
It is never easy to handle a personal injury claim on your own following a West Virginia car accident. Because of this and the turmoil that you might experience trying to work with insurance companies on your own, it is imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney immediately. Please contact us at Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner to find out what we can do for you at (304) 713-2014.