As a personal injury attorney in Florida, I’ve witnessed how dealing with insurance companies after an accident can quickly become overwhelming. While recovering from injuries and managing your life, you may also have to deal with insurance adjusters whose primary goal is to protect their company’s interests. Navigating this process without understanding the complexities of insurance claims or knowing when to involve an attorney can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing their payouts. Although adjusters may appear friendly, they are trained to reduce the amount their company will pay. This means you must handle any communication with them cautiously.
Steps to take after an accident
Taking the proper steps immediately following an accident can set the tone for your entire claim process. Reporting the accident promptly to your insurance company is usually required by your policy but be careful about what you share in the initial report. Additionally, the at-fault driver will report the accident their insurance company but be mindful they may not.
If the at-fault driver did report the accident to their insurance, expect a call from an adjuster. If you were injured in the accident, there will likely be two adjusters assigned to the claim; one for property damage and one for bodily injury.
Insurance adjusters are trained to look for statements they can use to lower your payout. Keep your statements factual and avoid speculating. Avoid discussing fault or downplaying your injuries. Florida’s “contributory fault” rule means even small admissions can reduce your compensation.
Common Insurance Company Strategies
Be aware of common strategies insurance companies use to minimize their liability. Initial offers are often far lower than what your case is worth. Don’t accept a low offer without consulting an attorney. You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement and doing so can hurt your case.
Insurance companies may delay the process to frustrate you into accepting less. If this happens, it’s time to get legal help. Involving an attorney early can often make a huge difference.
Having an attorney on your side
If you’ve suffered severe injuries or face long-term medical treatment, an attorney is essential. Properly calculating future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity requires legal expertise. When fault is contested, an attorney can help gather evidence like witnesses, accident reconstruction, and police reports to prove liability. If your claim is denied or if the insurer is using delay tactics, you need legal representation to push the process forward and hold them accountable. If you’ve been offered a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full scope of your damages (and it likely won’t), a personal injury attorney can negotiate for a better offer.
Having an attorney handle communication with insurance companies offers several advantages. Insurance companies deal with claims daily, and they use that expertise to their advantage. An experienced attorney levels the playing field by countering their tactics and negotiating for a fair settlement. An attorney understands the total value of your claim, including future medical expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, ensuring you aren’t short-changed.
Dealing with an accident’s aftermath is stressful enough. An attorney can take over the communication and negotiation process, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Remember, insurance companies are not on your side. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, Romano Law Group has a team of attorneys ready to assist you.
Authored by Jessica Latour, Esq.
The post Dealing with an Insurance Company After an Accident appeared first on Romano Law Group.
