If you’ve had a car accident in Atlanta, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. Clients often ask us, “Should I call my insurance company after an Atlanta accident?”
“The answer is ‘yes, it’s important to inform your insurance provider,’ but there’s more to it than that,” said Schneider Williamson co-founder and partner Campbell Williamson. “Misconceptions about your insurance company’s role after a car accident could make the process more challenging or even reduce the compensation you receive.”
About Schneider Williamson
Schneider Williamson is a personal injury litigation firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm handles litigation, discovery, and mediation for a wide variety of personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents, car accidents, traumatic brain injury, and more.
3 Common Misconceptions About Car Accident Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, not guardian angels. Their goal is to minimize payouts. While they may seem helpful, their interests may not align with yours.
1. The Insurance Company Has My Best Interests at Heart.
While insurance companies have a role in the claims process, their primary goal is to protect their bottom line. They may try to minimize your claim or deny coverage altogether.
With that in mind, we recommend declining requests for recorded statements, especially without an attorney. Insurance adjusters often later use these statements to magnify inconsistencies that reduce the compensation you’re entitled to or to place blame on you for an accident that was not your fault.
2. I Must Cooperate Fully with the Insurance Company.
While it’s essential to be honest and cooperative, you don’t have to provide unnecessary information.
For example, you should be cautious about authorizing the insurance company access to your medical records, employment records, or other personal information. Only disclose medical conditions that are directly related to the accident. Avoid mentioning past injuries or illnesses that are unrelated to the accident.
Also, you are free to consult with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement offer. If an adjuster or insurance representative tries to persuade or coerce you into signing, insist on more time to review the offer in detail and get a second opinion before you sign.
“It’s vital to have an attorney review any settlement offer you receive from a car accident case before you agree to it. Insurance companies may present the offer as a ‘done deal’ with no room for negotiation, but that’s rarely true. However, if you sign a settlement offer as presented, it’s often impossible to reopen and renegotiate a claim.”
— Jason Schneider, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Schneider Williamson
3. I Can Handle the Claims Process Myself.
Insurance claims can be complex, and mistakes can have serious consequences. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
Who Should I Call After an Atlanta Accident?
If you’ve been in an accident, you should call your insurance company, but it shouldn’t be the first call you make.
First, if your car is still on the road or you’re in a potentially dangerous area, call emergency services to the scene. Even if no one was seriously injured, an accident report from the officer on the scene will be crucial for your personal injury case.
Learn More: Who Do I Call First After an Accident in Atlanta?
Second, if the vehicle is inoperable, call a towing service to move it off the road to a safe location, such as a trusted mechanic or repair facility nearby.
At this point, you should call a loved one or friend to inform them that you’ve been in an accident if you haven’t already. Experiencing a car accident can be a shocking experience that may be difficult to process in the moment.
Telling someone you trust what has happened can be an outlet for challenging emotions. You may also need to make arrangements for childcare or other personal circumstances, such as informing your employer that you’ll be late or absent from work.
Finally, after managing the initial situation, exchanging information with the other parties involved, and ensuring everyone’s safety, you can call your insurance company to begin the claims process.
Should I Call My Insurance Company in These Scenarios?
The circumstances of your Atlanta car accident will require different actions.
If there are injuries, for example, call 911 immediately. Even if the injuries appear minor, it’s crucial to have medical professionals assess the situation. Emergency responders can provide medical attention, secure the scene, and begin the accident investigation process.
If the other driver is uninsured, document the accident as thoroughly as possible, including photos and witness statements. You can file a claim as part of your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you have it.
If you suspect a hit-and-run, contact the police immediately to report the incident. Provide as much detail as possible, such as the make and model of the other vehicle, its license plate number, and the direction of travel. If you have any witnesses, gather their contact information. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of a hit-and-run claim and explore potential avenues for compensation.
These scenarios can significantly complicate your claim and increase the challenges you may face in recovering compensation. Consulting with a personal injury attorney is crucial to explore all available options for recovering damages.
“Hit-and-run accidents, uninsured drivers, and injuries all introduce significant complexities to car accident claims. Navigating these situations requires a deep understanding of Georgia law and the insurance claims process. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable guidance, protect your rights, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.”
— Campbell Williamson, Co-Founder, Schneider Williamson
Why You Should Call a Personal Injury Attorney
Consulting a personal injury attorney is crucial after an Atlanta car accident.
Attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and can help you avoid common pitfalls and provide guidance on your legal rights and options.
Car accident cases can involve legal issues like liability, damages, and insurance coverage.
According to an October 2024 report by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, law enforcement responses to serious crashes increased 36% from 2018 to 2022. Each of these cases created complex and unique circumstances. If you’re in a similar situation, an attorney can guide you through your specific challenges so you can make informed decisions.
Further, if negotiations or litigation become necessary, a skilled attorney can fight for your best interests and maximize your settlement.
Consulting with an attorney can help you protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
