Accidents on Virginia roads happen every day, and they often leave drivers wondering what steps to take once the dust settles. After the shock of the crash, many drivers ask themselves, should I call my insurance if the accident wasn’t my fault? It’s a common dilemma.
Some people believe the at-fault driver’s insurance should handle everything. Others hesitate because they fear their premiums will rise even when they didn’t cause the collision. These concerns lead many to wait or avoid making the call altogether.
The truth is clear: yes, you should absolutely notify your insurance company after any accident, even when the other driver caused it. That single call preserves your rights under your policy, speeds up repairs, and creates a safety net if the other driver or their insurer refuses to take responsibility.
You should also contact a Richmond car accident lawyer near you if you suffered injuries or losses. Legal guidance ensures you don’t get pushed into accepting less than you deserve.
Why is calling your insurance company important after a not-at-fault accident?
Drivers often assume they only need their auto insurance when they are at fault. In reality, your insurance policy protects you from all kinds of problems that can arise after a crash. Reporting the accident gives you peace of mind, helps your claim move faster, and prevents the other driver’s insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Fulfilling a legal and contractual obligation
Most insurance policies require that you report every accident you’re involved in, regardless of who caused it. When you signed your policy, you entered into a contract. By notifying your insurer, you’re following that contract and protecting your right to coverage.
Consider an example: A driver gets rear-ended but decides not to report the accident because they feel fine and their bumper only has minor scratches. Two weeks later, they develop neck pain that requires medical care. At that point, the insurance company may deny coverage because the driver failed to report the crash immediately. A quick phone call on the day of the accident would have preserved their right to make a claim, and it may also be wise to get an attorney for a car accident.
Reporting also satisfies Virginia law in situations where the police may not respond to the scene. Even if law enforcement doesn’t write a report, your insurance company still expects you to notify them. By following this rule, you keep your coverage intact and avoid disputes later.
Expediting your property damage claim
After an accident, most people need their car back as quickly as possible. Without it, daily life becomes stressful. Even when another driver clearly caused the crash, their insurance company might delay repairs by disputing fault, requesting more documentation, or dragging its feet on approving a repair shop.
When you contact your own insurer, they often pay for the repair up front. They then pursue reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer through subrogation. This process keeps you from being stuck without transportation while two insurance companies argue. For instance, if the other driver’s insurer insists on “investigating” for weeks, your company can step in, pay for repairs or a rental car, and recover its costs later.
By getting your insurer involved quickly, you shorten the time it takes to get back on the road. Without that support, you might end up waiting months before your vehicle is fixed or replaced.
Protecting your interests
Insurance companies often focus on protecting their own money, not yours. The at-fault driver’s insurer has one goal: to pay as little as possible. They may call you quickly, ask you to give a recorded statement, or pressure you into signing paperwork. Many drivers don’t realize that saying something as simple as “I’m fine” could later be used against them if they develop injuries.
Your own insurer, however, has a contractual duty to you. By reporting the accident, you create a buffer between yourself and the other driver’s company. Your insurer can handle communications, review settlement offers, and make sure the at-fault party’s insurer doesn’t take advantage of you.
Think of your insurance company as a shield. Instead of trying to manage confusing questions from the other insurer, you let professionals step in on your behalf. This reduces stress and helps prevent costly mistakes.
What information should I provide to my insurance company?
Calling your insurer without clear details may slow down the process. Collecting the right information at the scene makes all the difference. These details allow your insurer to verify fault, support your claim, and push back if the other driver’s insurer tries to shift blame, and it’s something you should know about Virginia auto insurance.
Key details to gather at the scene
At the accident site, your first priority is safety. Once you confirm everyone is safe and call for medical help if needed, start collecting details.
- Write down the other driver’s name, phone number, and address.
- Record their insurance company name and policy number.
- Take pictures of both vehicles from multiple angles. Don’t forget wide shots of the scene that show traffic signals, skid marks, and weather conditions.
- Photograph license plates.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Neutral witness statements often carry weight when insurance companies argue over who caused the crash.
Drivers sometimes assume a police report will cover everything. While police reports are helpful, they aren’t always detailed. Officers may not include every witness or every angle of the accident. By gathering your own information, you protect yourself if the report leaves out important facts.
Specifics to discuss with your insurer
When you call your insurance company, provide the date, time, and location of the crash. Describe what happened, but stick to the facts. If you’re unsure about a detail, don’t guess. Saying “I don’t know” is better than giving an incorrect answer that could later be used against you.
For example, if you aren’t sure how fast the other driver was going, don’t make an estimate. Simply explain that the other vehicle struck you from behind. Your insurer will investigate and gather more information if needed. Accuracy and honesty give your claim credibility and protect you from disputes.
What happens when the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Being struck by an uninsured driver feels unfair. You followed the law, carried insurance, and now face bills because someone else failed to do the same. Fortunately, Virginia drivers have built-in protection for this exact situation, which raises the question of what car insurance do you need to stay protected.
The role of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, often called UM/UIM, steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. In Virginia, every auto insurance policy includes this coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing. That means most drivers already have this safety net.
Consider a scenario where a driver with no insurance runs a red light and hits you. Without
UM coverage, you’d be left to cover repairs and medical bills on your own. With UM, your own insurance pays for damages, including medical treatment, lost wages, and even future care related to your injuries.
Underinsured coverage works the same way when the at-fault driver carries only the minimum liability insurance. For example, if your medical bills total $50,000 but the at-fault driver’s policy covers only $25,000, your UIM coverage pays the difference up to your policy limits.
How can a personal injury attorney help after an accident that wasn’t my fault?
Even when the facts are clear, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They may downplay your injuries, question the need for certain treatments, or offer quick settlements that don’t cover your losses. A personal injury attorney steps in to balance the scales.
Managing communication and negotiations
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that benefit their company. An innocent comment about feeling “better” might later be twisted into evidence that you weren’t seriously hurt. Attorneys prevent this by taking over all communication. You won’t have to field phone calls, answer loaded questions, or worry about saying the wrong thing, which makes dealing with the insurance company after a car accident far less stressful.
When settlement offers arrive, an attorney reviews them carefully. Lowball offers are common, especially early on. We push back and demand fair value, using medical records, wage statements, and expert analysis to support your claim.
Maximizing your compensation
Your case includes more than immediate bills. Many injuries require ongoing treatment, therapy, or surgery years down the road. Lost income, reduced earning ability, and the daily hardships of pain and recovery also factor into the value of your claim.
Attorneys calculate these long-term costs and hold insurers accountable. For example, a back injury that prevents you from returning to a physically demanding job deserves compensation for lost future wages, not just your initial medical bills. Without a Richmond car accident lawyer, insurers may ignore or minimize these damages.
Taking the legal fight to court if needed
When insurers refuse to act fairly, an attorney can file a lawsuit. Court involvement shows the insurance company you’re serious about pursuing justice. While many cases resolve before trial, filing suit often forces insurers to make better offers.
If a trial becomes necessary, your attorney handles everything. That includes filing legal documents, preparing witnesses, and presenting your case before a jury. This level of support gives you confidence that your rights won’t be ignored.
How our attorneys can help
At Allen & Allen, we’ve represented car accident victims across Virginia for generations. Our team investigates every aspect of your accident, from the crash scene to medical records. We work with accident reconstruction experts when needed, gather witness testimony, and collect the evidence required to build a strong case.
We also understand the stress that comes with sudden injuries and financial strain. That’s why we offer free consultations, giving you the chance to learn about your options without financial pressure. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
This approach allows injured people to seek justice without worrying about upfront costs. Our commitment goes beyond legal work. We make your fight our fight, standing beside you every step of the way.
Why choose Allen & Allen?
Allen & Allen has served Virginians since 1910. For more than 100 years, our firm has lived by the values of integrity, respect, compassion, and trust. Those values guide how we treat our clients and how we approach every case.
We commit to more than simply providing you with legal representation. We commit to standing beside you, protecting your rights, and ensuring that insurance companies treat you fairly. That dedication is summed up in our saying, “I am an Allen.” We don’t just represent you, we stand with you, share in your fight, and pursue justice on your behalf.
Generations of clients have trusted us with their cases because we focus on more than results. We focus on people. Each case reflects someone’s health, livelihood, and future. By treating clients with compassion and respect, we honor our long legacy and continue to serve communities across Virginia, and you can get a free lawyer consultation to learn how we can help.
Frequently asked questions about calling your insurance company after a car accident
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a not-at-fault claim?
Insurance companies shouldn’t raise your rates for a not-at-fault claim. However, policies vary, so it’s worth checking your specific coverage.
Should I speak to the other driver’s insurance company?
You should avoid giving a statement directly to the other driver’s insurer. Let your attorney or your own insurer handle communication.
What if the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies my claim?
When an insurer denies responsibility, your Richmond car accident lawyer can step in to challenge them. We collect evidence and push for the compensation you deserve.
Do I have a time limit to file a claim in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia law sets a strict two-year deadline for filing claims and lawsuits. Missing the deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. Contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights.
What if I didn’t get the at-fault driver’s information at the scene?
Police reports, witness accounts, and traffic cameras may provide the missing details. An attorney can help track down the necessary information.
Contact our car accident attorneys in Virginia now
Car accident cases move quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies act fast to protect their own interests. You deserve someone who acts just as quickly to protect yours.
Allen & Allen has built its reputation on compassion, care, and a legacy of justice for more than a century. If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us take the burden off your shoulders.
