Do I Need to Report Every Accident to My Insurance Company?

It’s not fair. You’re rear-ended on Route 501, and it’s your insurance premiums that might go up. Many car crash victims do not want to report minor accidents to their auto insurance companies to avoid increased insurance rates. However, most private car insurance contracts require you to report every accident, even if state law does not mandate calling the police.

If you didn’t report a recent collision, you likely still have time to file the report and open a claim. Discuss whether you need to report an accident to your insurance company with the experienced Conway car crash lawyers at Kinon Law Firm for free by calling (843) 488-9191 or contacting us online.

Understanding S.C. Auto Insurance Contract and Filing Requirements

You must report most accidents – even minor ones – to your auto insurance company according to the terms of your private insurance contract. Even if you’re not required to file a police or traffic report by law, you’re still legally bound by the insurance agreement. Failing to report an accident that’s later cross-reported by the other driver might result in the complete denial of your claim – exposing you to personal liability, policy cancellation, or non-renewal. If the accident did not result in any injuries and you do not want to use collision insurance, discuss whether you need to report the claim with a Horry County car accident lawyer.

South Carolina Accident Reporting Laws

In certain cases, you must report a car accident to the police immediately or file a traffic collision report form (FR-309) with the DMV within 15 days of the crash. S.C. Code § 56-5-1260 requires drivers to immediately contact police if the accident resulted in any injuries or death.

If you didn’t contact the police, you must file a written report if the vehicle damage totaled more than $1,000. Even minor fender-benders tend to reach this threshold. It’s also necessary to file FR-309 if you or the other driver/passengers begin suffering from latent car accident injuries, often masked by post-accident adrenaline. These commonly include:

• Whiplash
• Slipped discs
• Brain bleeds
• Hairline fractures
• Strains and sprains 
• Contusions
• Pinched nerves
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Always seek medical attention, contact an attorney, and file all necessary reports to protect your right to recover financial damages.

Filing Claims with the Liable Insurer After Conway Car Crashes

You generally have additional time to file auto insurance claims even after the collision reporting deadline expires. If you’re not sure whether you should file an insurance claim or how it might impact your insurance rates, a traffic collision attorney can review your policy documents, file FR–309, and help you obtain needed damages from the liable driver.

Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in Conway, S.C.

Our dedicated personal injury lawyers can help you file a mandatory report with your auto insurer while contesting liability and preserving your insurance rates. We can also help our clients recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain, and vehicle damage directly from the liable driver’s insurance company. Schedule a free and confidential claim review with our Conway office today by calling (843) 488-9191 or connecting with us online.