“Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident?” The short answer is no—not before speaking with a lawyer. Even minor accidents can have unexpected legal and financial consequences. Insurance companies are not on your side. Talking to them directly can put you at risk of being blamed, tricked into a lowball settlement, or even having your claim denied altogether.
Instead of handling it yourself, let an experienced attorney handle these conversations for you. Here’s why.
Insurance Companies Are For-Profit Companies
Insurance companies make money by paying out as little as possible on claims compared to the millions or billions they make in premiums. They may act helpful on the phone, but their goal is to minimize their financial losses. Some insurance companies even offer financial incentives to adjusters who settle claims for less money. If you report your accident yourself, the adjuster may use your words against you or take your statement out of context to justify reducing or denying your claim.
By letting a local lawyer handle these discussions, you protect yourself from saying anything that could be misinterpreted or used to diminish your claim.
You May Be Blamed for the Accident
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, the insurance company might try to shift the blame onto you. If you say something as simple as “I didn’t see them coming” or “I was in a rush,” they may argue that you were at least partially responsible. This can affect how much compensation you receive or whether your claim is accepted.
So, if you’re wondering, “Should I call my insurance if someone hits me?” the answer is: Not before consulting with a lawyer. An attorney can guide you on what to say and protect your rights.
The Insurance Company Can Trick You
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. They might ask leading questions designed to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. For example, they may ask, “Are you feeling okay?” If you answer, “Yes,” they might later argue that you weren’t injured, even if you developed pain in the days following the accident.
When you work with a lawyer, they can prevent you from falling into these traps and keep control over your claim.
You Could Settle Your Claim for Less Than You Deserve
After a minor accident, you may not realize the full extent of your injuries or losses right away. Some injuries take time to appear, and vehicle damage can be more severe than it initially looks. If you accept a quick settlement offer, you could be left covering medical expenses or repair costs out of pocket.
When to report an accident to insurance? Only after speaking with a lawyer who can assess your situation and help you pursue fair compensation.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Call for You
An experienced car accident lawyer from Cain Law can handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring that your statement is accurate and protecting you from tactics designed to undermine your claim. Our legal team has helped Oklahoma clients recover over $100 million, and we are ready to start working for you immediately.
If you’re wondering when to call a lawyer after a car accident, do so as soon as possible so we can begin immediately protecting your legal rights. We are available 24/7 and offer free consultations. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Can’t come to us? We’ll come to you. Contact Cain Law today to discuss your options. In pain? Call Cain.
