Should I Report Car Accident Injuries to My Insurance Company?
Car accidents can be chaotic, confusing, and emotionally overwhelming. In the aftermath, one of the most common questions drivers face is: Should I report car accident injuries to my insurance company? The short answer is yes—but knowing when and how to report, what details to share, and what your rights and responsibilities are can significantly affect how your insurance claim is handled.
This blog will help you understand why reporting car accident injuries to your insurance company is crucial, the steps involved, potential consequences of not reporting, and when to consult legal support, such as a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa.
Why It’s Important to Report Car Accident Injuries
Reporting any injuries resulting from a car accident to your insurance company is not just a suggestion—it is often a legal and contractual obligation. Most auto insurance policies require policyholders to inform the insurer about accidents, especially those involving injuries, within a reasonable time frame.
Here’s why it’s important:
1. Legal and Contractual Obligation
When you signed your auto insurance policy, you agreed to notify your insurer promptly after an accident. Failing to report injuries could be considered a breach of contract, potentially resulting in the denial of your claim or even cancellation of your policy.
2. Initiate the Claims Process
Notifying your insurer is the first step in starting the claims process. Even if the other driver is at fault, your insurance company can coordinate with the at-fault party’s insurer and may provide immediate benefits under accident benefits coverage.
3. Access to Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits
In Ontario, drivers are eligible for accident benefits under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), which includes medical and rehabilitation coverage, income replacement, attendant care, and more. These benefits are accessible only if you report your injuries and file the appropriate claims.
4. Preserve Evidence and Documentation
By reporting the injury promptly, you ensure a written and dated record exists with your insurer. This strengthens your case if legal proceedings are necessary and supports any future claims for compensation.
When Should You Report Injuries?
It’s always best to report car accident injuries as soon as possible, ideally within 7 days of the incident. Waiting too long can weaken your claim or result in the insurer questioning the validity of the injuries.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first—like whiplash, bruising, or back pain—it’s still advisable to report them. Many soft tissue injuries and concussions can take days or even weeks to fully manifest, and documenting them early ensures you’re covered if symptoms worsen.
What Information Should You Provide to the Insurance Company?
When reporting car accident injuries, be honest and concise. Here’s a checklist of what to share:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Contact and insurance information for all involved parties
- Brief description of what happened
- Description of injuries (even if they appear minor)
- Police report number, if applicable
- Medical treatment received (e.g., ER visit, family doctor appointment)
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, if available
Avoid exaggerating or downplaying your injuries. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who was at fault—leave that determination to the insurance adjusters or legal professionals.
What Happens After You Report the Injury?
Once your injury is reported, your insurance company will:
- Open a claim file and assign a claims adjuster.
- Request medical records or assessments to determine the extent of your injuries.
- Assess your eligibility for accident benefits, which may include medical care, income replacement, and more.
- Investigate liability to determine fault if multiple vehicles were involved.
- Coordinate with other insurance companies if the other driver was at fault.
If you need immediate medical treatment or are unable to work due to the injury, your insurer may begin issuing benefits shortly after the claim is accepted.
What If You Don’t Report the Injury?
Failing to report car accident injuries can result in serious consequences:
- Loss of access to accident benefits, including medical treatment and wage replacement
- Claim denial, especially if you wait too long and the insurer suspects fraud or delayed injury reporting
- Legal challenges, if the other party files a claim and your insurer was not informed
- Limited documentation, weakening your case if you later seek compensation in court
Simply put, if you don’t report your injury, you may be left to handle the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath on your own.
Common Myths About Reporting Injuries
There are several misconceptions that lead people to delay or avoid reporting injuries:
- “The accident was minor, so I don’t need to report it.”
Even low-speed collisions can cause significant soft tissue damage or delayed injuries. - “I wasn’t at fault, so it’s not my responsibility to report.”
Regardless of fault, your insurance policy requires that you notify your insurer. - “It’s better to wait and see if I feel worse later.”
Delayed reporting can weaken your claim. It’s better to report early and update the insurer as needed. - “Reporting will increase my insurance rates.”
While accident reporting can affect premiums, failing to report can result in greater financial loss and policy complications.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
In more complex cases—such as when the injuries are severe, fault is disputed, or you’re receiving pushback from the insurance company—it may be in your best interest to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa. An experienced lawyer can:
- Help you understand your rights under Ontario’s insurance laws
- Ensure all deadlines and documentation are met
- Negotiate fair compensation with insurance companies
- Represent you in court, if necessary
- Handle any legal complications related to accident benefits or tort claims
Legal professionals also provide peace of mind, ensuring that you’re not taken advantage of by insurers or third parties during your recovery.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you should absolutely report car accident injuries to your insurance company—and you should do so as soon as possible. This ensures you’re protected financially, legally, and medically while meeting the terms of your policy. Failing to report injuries can jeopardize your ability to access benefits, receive compensation, or take legal action if needed.
Even if the injuries seem minor at the time of the accident, documentation and timely communication with your insurer can make all the difference down the road. And if the process becomes complicated or your injuries are significant, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice to ensure your rights are fully protected.
