Omar Khawaja | May 26, 2026 | Car Accidents
After a car accident, many people assume they only need to deal with the other driver’s insurance company if the crash was not their fault. However, you should usually contact your own insurance company as soon as possible after an accident, even if another driver caused it.
Most insurance policies require prompt notice after a crash. Reporting the accident can also help protect your rights if there is a dispute about fault, delayed injuries, or unexpected vehicle damage later on.
Why You Should Still Call Your Insurance Company
Even if the other driver clearly caused the accident, your insurance company still needs to know what happened. Many policies require drivers to report accidents within a reasonable time.
Calling your insurance company does not mean you are admitting fault. It simply creates a record of the accident and allows your insurer to begin reviewing the situation. Your insurance company may also help coordinate repairs, investigate the crash, or communicate with the other insurer.
Additionally, some injuries and vehicle damage are not immediately obvious. Symptoms like neck pain, back injuries, or concussions may take hours or days to appear. If you wait too long to notify your insurer, it could complicate your claim later.
What Information Should You Give Your Insurance Company?
When speaking with your insurance company, stick to the basic facts about the accident.
Useful information may include:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- The names and insurance information of the drivers involved
- The police report number
- Photos of the vehicles or the accident scene
- Witness contact information
Be honest, but avoid guessing about details you are unsure about. You should also avoid apologizing or making statements that sound like you are accepting blame. Even simple comments made at the scene can sometimes be used against you later.
If you are injured, mention that you are seeking medical treatment, but avoid discussing the severity of your injuries before a doctor evaluates you fully.
What if the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts You?
It is common for the other driver’s insurance company to contact you shortly after a crash. An adjuster may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. You should be cautious when speaking with the other insurer because its goal is often to limit how much money it pays on the claim.
If the other insurance company contacts you:
- Keep your comments brief and factual
- Avoid speculating about fault
- Do not downplay your injuries
- Avoid accepting a quick settlement offer
A fast settlement may not account for future medical treatment, lost income, or other damages related to the accident.
Will Your Rates Go Up if the Accident Wasn’t Your Fault?
A not-at-fault accident does not always cause insurance premiums to increase, but it can happen.
Whether your rates change depends on factors such as:
- Your driving history
- Your insurance company’s policies
- State insurance laws
- Prior claims on your record
Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs that may prevent a rate increase after your first accident. However, insurers sometimes raise rates after any claim, even if another driver caused the crash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
The steps you take after a collision can affect your insurance claim and your financial recovery.
Common mistakes include:
- Failing to report the accident
- Delaying medical treatment
- Giving lengthy recorded statements
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Accepting a settlement too quickly
Seeking prompt medical care is especially important after an accident. Medical records can help connect your injuries to the crash and document the treatment you received.
You should also keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, and other records related to the accident.
Contact Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Houston Car Accident Attorney
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts after a car accident, even when their driver was clearly at fault. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
If you’ve been injured in Houston or Dallas, please call Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve clients throughout Texas, with offices in Houston and Dallas.
Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston Office
5177 Richmond Ave. Suite 1065, Houston, TX 77056
(281) 888-2339
Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
5345 Towne Square Dr Suite 240, Plano, TX 75024
(469) 300-5046