If you’ve had a car accident in Atlanta, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. In our experience, many people believe that contacting their insurance company is the best way to protect their interests after an accident. One common question people ask is, “Should I call my insurance company after an Atlanta accident?”
While the basic answer is “yes, it’s important to inform your insurance provider,” there’s more to it than that. 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
It’s important to understand that insurance companies are for-profit businesses, not guardian angels, and their goal in most claims 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 present. Insurance adjusters may use these statements as opportunities to try to get you to admit fault or magnify inconsistencies that reduce the compensation you’re entitled to.
2. I Must Cooperate Fully with the Insurance Company.
While it’s important to be honest and cooperative, you don’t have to provide unnecessary information.
For example, you should be cautious about signing authorizations that grant 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 under no obligation to agree to a settlement offer without consulting with an attorney. 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 it’s finalized.
“It’s very important to have an attorney review any settlement offer you receive from a car accident case before you agree to it. Insurance companies may try to present the offer as a ‘done deal’ with no room for negotiation, but that’s rarely the case. If you do sign a settlement offer as it’s presented, however, it’s extremely difficult 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?
You should call your insurance company if you’ve been in an accident, but that 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 have the car moved off the road to a safe location, like a trusted mechanic or repair facility nearby.
At this point, if you haven’t already, you should call a loved one or friend to inform them that you’ve been in an accident. 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, when the initial situation has been managed, you’ve exchanged information with the other parties involved, and everyone is safe, you can call your insurance to begin the claims process.
That’s not your last call, however. You should call a personal injury attorney, too.
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, as well as 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 by 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.
In any event, consulting with an attorney can help you protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
