This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
If you are in a car accident, you may wonder how quickly you need to tell your insurance company. Most auto insurance policies require you to report accidents right away, even for minor car accidents. Reporting quickly protects your right to use your insurance coverage for vehicle repairs, property damage, and injuries. Delays can harm your insurance claim or even lead to denial. At Olsinski Law, our car accident lawyers explain reporting deadlines, the insurance claim process, and how the statute of limitations applies to personal injury claims.
Your safety and legal protection come first after an auto accident. Taking the right steps at the accident scene helps protect your health, ensures accurate accident reports, and supports your future insurance claim. These actions also create strong evidence for a personal injury lawsuit if one becomes necessary. At Olsinski Law, we help clients understand which steps matter most after traffic accidents.
Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 to request medical attention and law enforcement at the accident scene. Emergency responders provide medical care and create accident reports that support both personal injury claims and auto insurance claims. Always seek medical treatment, even if your injuries seem minor.
Gather details from all drivers, including their name, vehicle registration number, insurance policy number, and contact information. Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any personal property involved. Document injuries and keep medical records for later use in the insurance claim process. If a rental vehicle or private property is involved, include those details in your documentation.
Contact local police officers or law enforcement to make sure a police report is filed. A Motor Vehicle Collision Report or accident report provides an official record of the crash. This report may be required by your insurance provider or even the Department of Motor Vehicles. Police officers also verify driver information, which protects you against automobile insurance fraud. At Olsinski Law, we use these reports to strengthen personal injury claims.
Many drivers confuse “reporting” an accident with “filing” an insurance claim. Knowing the difference can protect your rights and reduce stress. Reporting means notifying your insurance agent or auto insurance company that an accident occurred. Filing a claim means starting the insurance claim process for medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs. At Olsinski Law, we guide clients through both steps to ensure deadlines are met under insurance laws and automobile insurance policies.
Reporting simply means informing your auto insurance company that a car accident happened. You give your insurance policy number, vehicle registration, and basic accident details. This step preserves your insurance provider’s right to investigate the accident. Reporting on time avoids problems with your insurance coverage later.
Filing a claim is when you request payment for specific losses, such as medical expenses, property damage, or personal injury protection coverage. This step requires supporting documents like medical documentation, accident reports, and receipts for vehicle repairs. Insurance adjusters review these details before making settlement offers. At Olsinski Law, our injury attorneys make sure your accident claim includes strong evidence so you can recover full compensation.
Your car insurance policy is a contract, and it explains your duties after an auto accident. These clauses outline how and when you must report an accident to your insurance provider. At Olsinski Law, we review automobile insurance policies to make sure clients understand their reporting deadlines. Failing to follow these rules can affect your right to file an accident claim or personal injury lawsuit. Knowing the language in your policy is just as important as filing accident reports with the police or law enforcement.
Most automobile insurance policies include a “prompt notice” requirement. This means you must report the auto accident without unnecessary delay. Insurance adjusters use this clause to decide whether your claim is valid. We help clients review policy language, vehicle registration documents, and accident reports to ensure compliance.
Some policies require you to report “as soon as practicable.” This phrase can be vague and depends on the circumstances. Insurers may argue that waiting days or weeks is not reasonable. At Olsinski Law, our accident attorneys step in to protect your rights if an insurance company challenges timing under this clause.
Certain policies, especially comprehensive insurance or liability insurance coverage, require immediate notice of traffic accidents. This means you must contact your insurance agent or insurance provider right after the accident scene is secured. Local police officers and accident reports often support your claim by showing you acted promptly. We help clients meet these strict requirements so their auto insurance claims are not denied.
Delaying beyond a “reasonable” time can cause serious problems with your insurance claim. At Olsinski Law, we explain these risks to every client so they understand why reporting quickly matters. Here are common consequences of late reporting:
In addition to your insurance policy, state law requires separate reporting. These rules often involve notifying the Department of Motor Vehicles or local law enforcement within a strict timeline. At Olsinski Law, we make sure clients comply with both insurance laws and state accident reporting rules. Failing to follow these steps can affect not only your accident claim but also your vehicle registration and driving record.
In North Carolina, drivers must report certain auto accidents to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days. This requirement applies when there are injuries, deaths, or significant vehicle damage. A motor vehicle collision report is often used, and it includes details such as your Vehicle Identification Number and insurance policy number. Our injury attorneys help clients complete this process to protect their vehicle registration and insurance claim.
Most traffic accidents involving bodily injury, deaths, or private property damage must also be reported to law enforcement. A police officer prepares the official police report, which becomes a key part of your insurance claim process. Law enforcement ensures accident reports are accurate, protecting you against liability disputes or automobile insurance fraud. At Olsinski Law, our personal injury lawyers use these reports to build stronger personal injury protection and accident claims.
A car accident attorney does much more than file lawsuits. At Olsinski Law, we guide clients through the insurance claim process from the very beginning. We make sure your rights are protected, deadlines are met, and evidence is preserved. Insurance laws can be complex, and insurance providers often use strict rules to deny claims. Having a lawyer involved early prevents costly mistakes that can affect your auto insurance claims.
Here’s how we help:
My insurance company is denying my claim for being late. What can I do?
An attorney can argue that your delay was reasonable and negotiate with the insurer. We often succeed in overturning denials and protecting accident claim rights.
I only have a small dent. Do I still need to report it?
Yes. Even minor car accidents must be reported under most automobile insurance policies. Failure to do so could lead to the denial of a future, larger accident claim.
What if the other driver asks me not to report it and offers to pay cash?
This is very risky. Their payment may fall through, and you’ll have violated your insurance policy. That mistake could leave you without car insurance coverage.
How does “reasonable time” get defined?
It depends on the situation, including the severity of injuries, the clarity of fault, or the accident scene details. Typically, it means within a few days to a week.
Should I give a recorded statement to my insurer right away?
Not before speaking with a personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use statements against you. Always get advice before making official, recorded comments.
Can I report an accident to my insurance online?
Yes. Most auto insurance companies allow accident reports through online portals. However, we recommend following up with your insurance agent to verify that the claim is processed correctly.
Reporting deadlines after an auto accident are strict, and missing them can put your accident claim at risk. At Olsinski Law, our injury attorneys understand automobile insurance policies, accident reports, and the rules set by the Department of Insurance. We take over communication with your insurance provider, protect your rights, and ensure your claim is reported correctly and on time. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and protect your right to full compensation.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
