Being involved in an auto accident can be distressing and overwhelming. Even if the accident was not your fault, it is still very important to notify your own insurance and open a claim with them. Many people are hesitant to do so because they worry about their insurance rates going up. However, Virginia law prohibits insurance companies from raising the rates or otherwise penalizing policy holders solely due to the accident that is not their fault (Va Code Section 38.2-1905).

This blog post highlights some of the important benefits of contacting your own insurance after the accident to ensure your rights are protected and you are fully compensated.

1. MedPay - Covering Your Medical Expenses:

Medical Payments Coverage, commonly known as MedPay, is a very beneficial coverage, included in many policies in Virginia. Irrespective of fault, MedPay covers your medical expenses resulting from an auto accident (up to a certain amount). This can be immensely helpful in managing the costs of medical treatment. MedPay coverage is optional and if you are not sure whether you have it or not, you need to contact your insurance company.

2. Underinsured Coverage - Bridging the Gap:

In cases where the at-fault driver's insurance coverage is insufficient to compensate for your injuries and damages, having underinsured motorist coverage can be a lifesaver. This additional protection can prove crucial in securing the compensation you deserve. The amount of underinsured coverage you can potentially receive is determined by the difference between at-fault's driver's policy limits and your own policy limits. If you want to learn more about UIM coverage and why it is important to have sufficient coverage, check out this blog post: https://www.ernestlawgroup.net/blog/what-are-the-insurance-policy-limits/

3. Uninsured Coverage - Protection against Uninsured Motorists:

Even though auto insurance is mandatory in Virginia, unfortunately, some drivers still do not have one. In the event you got injured by the uninsured motorist, your own insurance will step in to compensate you for all of your injuries, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages, just like the at-fault driver's insurance would.

4. Assistance in locating at-fault driver's insurance. 

If you do not know what insurance coverage (if any) the driver that injured you has, contacting your own insurance is a crucial step in locating it. Insurance companies have access to various databases and other resources they can use in tracking down other driver's policy.

In conclusion, notifying your own insurance about an auto accident that was not your fault is of utmost importance. By being proactive in reporting the accident promptly, you preserve your claim and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Being involved in an accident can feel overwhelming and having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make all the difference. Call us at 757-289-2499 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We will guide you through the process and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and ensure you are fully compensated, so you can focus on the most important part: recovering from your injuries.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with a lawyer. For specific legal advice on the information provided please contact the author, attorney Olga Rollins.