When you get into a car crash, you need to tell your insurance provider. When you don’t report a crash to your insurer, you could end up dealing with unnecessary hassles if you decide to pursue compensation later. A San Angelo, Texas car accident lawyer can help you sue for damages, but it’s always easier to build a case if you’ve followed the rules and kept your insurance company in the loop after a crash.
How Quickly Do I Need to Report a Crash in Texas?
Drivers in Texas should report a crash to their insurer within 24 hours. When you report what happened, you should include all of the information that you have about the crash. Useful details include:
- The date and time of the crash
- Where the collision happened
- Information about the other drivers and vehicles involved
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses
- Whether someone was injured
- If there was a police report filed
Do I Need to Report a Crash If No One Was Injured?
You should report a crash even if no one was injured. There are many reasons for this. First of all, insurance companies are concerned about property damage as well. If any of the cars involved need repairs, that’s going to be relevant information to the insurers involved.
Second of all, sometimes people don’t notice injuries from a crash right away. Someone can walk away from a collision feeling fine, only to notice stiffness, pain, or other indicators of an injury a few hours later.
What Happens If I Don’t Report a Crash Right Away?
If you don’t report a crash right away, it could make it harder to make a claim later. Delaying your report could result in the claims process taking longer. It could even result in your claim getting denied. This happens often if the insurer assumes that you were hurt sometime after the crash, not in the collision itself.
What If I Need to Sue For Damages?
If you make a claim with your insurer or another driver’s insurance company, you may get denied. You could receive an offer, but it’s much lower than what you actually need. That’s when you may need to sue for damages. A lawyer can help you build a case, gather evidence, and hold any negligent parties accountable for the harm that they have caused. A fair settlement should help make up for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have been hurt in a crash and you plan to pursue damages, we want to help. Contact the Mathis Law Firm and schedule a free case consultation. We can tell you more about what our seasoned legal team can do to be of assistance.
