How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance?

After the initial shock of a car accident wears off, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is: How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance? Understanding the reporting timelines is crucial, as it can help you avoid complications and ensure a smoother claims process, even in the midst of a stressful situation.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to take after a collision, explain the importance of notifying your insurance provider, and outline the timelines for doing so in New Mexico. We’ll also cover when you need to report the incident to the police and review the statute of limitations for filing claims. If you need help with a claim or legal advice, Parnall Law is here to protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to follow certain steps to safeguard your rights, guarantee safety, and facilitate a seamless claims process with your coverage company.

1. Check for Injuries: First, verify that you and anyone else involved are safe. If there are injuries, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
2. Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a secure location to avoid causing further incidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
3. Contact the Police: Even if it seems like a minor situation, involving law enforcement is always a good idea, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, wounds, and any other relevant details. This can serve as evidence when filing your petition.
5. Exchange Information: Collect the contact information, driver’s license, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers from all parties involved.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company: Call your coverage provider as soon as possible to report the situation and begin the claims process.

Taking these steps immediately can help you avoid legal complications and help your claim be processed smoothly.

Why Should I Report My Accident to the Insurance Company?

You might wonder whether reporting your car accident to your insurance company is necessary, especially if the damage seems minimal or if the other party suggests handling it privately. However, there are numerous essential reasons to notify every incident, no matter how minor it looks:

• Potential Hidden Damage: Vehicle damage isn’t always visible. A seemingly minor dent may hide internal issues that could lead to repair costs in the thousands.
• Injury Claims: Certain injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not show symptoms right away. Failing to report the incident could jeopardize your chance of filing a claim if you later discover these allegations.
• Policy Requirements: Most coverage policies mandate that you inform any incident. Not doing so can lead to your request being denied or even your policy being canceled.
• Liability Protection: Notifying the collision allows your insurer to begin investigating liability, protecting you from any unfounded claims by the other party.

According to Car and Driver, it’s advisable to notify your provider promptly, as delays can complicate the claims process. Keeping them informed certifies that you’re covered for any potential issues.

Should I Report the Accident to the Police?

In New Mexico, you are legally required to notify any incident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Failing to do so could result in fines or other penalties. Even in cases where it’s not required, filing a police report is usually beneficial for various reasons:

• Official Record: It is an official, unbiased account of the accident, which can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies or in legal disputes.
• Accurate Details: Police officers are trained to document incident scenes, guaranteeing that details aren’t overlooked. They can also interview witnesses and provide insight into who was at fault.
• Proof of the Accident: If the other party tries to deny involvement or downplay the severity of the event, a police report serves as evidence of the incident.

While informing the authorities of minor accidents may not be mandatory, doing so can still help clarify liability and support your claim. For more information on incident reporting requirements, check out this guide.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance?

While the state does not impose a strict legal deadline for reporting a mishap to your insurance company, most insurers have specific timelines outlined in their policies. Typically, you should notify them within 24 to 48 hours. Postponing it may trigger setbacks, such as:

• Delayed Claims Processing: The longer you wait, the harder it may be for your provider to investigate and process your claim, postponing the compensation timeline.
• Claim Denial: If you fail to inform the insurer of the collision within the timeframe specified in your coverage policy, they may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for all costs.
• Voided Policy: In some cases, failing to inform swiftly could be considered a breach of your contract, potentially resulting in the cancellation of your policy.

It’s always a good idea to check your specific policy for the reporting window or contact your insurer for clarification. Even if you don’t believe you’ll file a claim, notifying allows them to open a file and safeguard your rights.

What’s the Statute of Limitations to File a Claim?

The statute of limitations is the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit related to a crash. In New Mexico, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. For property damage requests, the timeframe extends to four years.

Nonetheless, while you may have several years to take legal action, it’s fundamental to initiate the process much sooner if you plan to file a request. Waiting too long can make it more difficult to gather evidence and prove fault, hurting your chances of recovering damages.

If you’re unsure about the timelines or your legal rights, consulting with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you meet all important deadlines.

Need Help With the Claims Process? Contact Parnall Law

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need assistance with your insurance claim or exploring your legal options, contact Parnall Law for a free consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Let us take the stress out of the claims process so you can focus on recovering. Reach out today to get started!