Tips for Handling Insurers After a Florida Car Accident

While Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system was technically put in place to help simplify the process of financial recovery after an accident, the reality often ends up being much different. Collecting compensation, even from one’s own insurer, can be complicated, which is why accident victims are so often encouraged to work with an attorney who can help them navigate the claim filing process.

Familiarizing Yourself With the No-Fault System 

Florida is one of the only states that continues to use a no-fault insurance system. Basically, this means that after a car crash, each party’s own insurer will provide coverage of the policyholder’s medical expenses and lost wages (up to a certain amount). This is true regardless of who was responsible for causing the crash. This coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and all drivers are required to carry it in Florida. Unfortunately, these policies only cover up to $10,000, which is rarely enough to cover the losses sustained in a serious crash. In these cases, the injured party may need to step outside of the no-fault system and file a claim with the other driver’s insurer.

Reporting the Car Accident Promptly 

One of the first steps that car accident victims should take is to report their crash to their insurance provider. All insurance companies have their own deadlines when it comes to filing a claim, but generally, the sooner a claimant files the better off he or she will be, as the company can get moving on assessing the claim. Claimants who wait too long to file could even end up jeopardizing their claim entirely. When reporting the accident, claimants should be sure to stick to the facts, providing basic information about the crash, like the date, time, and location, but avoid discussing fault or making detailed statements.

Using Caution When Speaking With Insurers

 Claimants need to use care in communicating not only with their own insurance providers, but with the insurance company representing the other driver as well. In the event that the other driver’s insurer ends up reaching out to the claimant, he or she should avoid giving a recorded statement or admitting fault. Speaking with an attorney before signing any documents or giving a statement is always encouraged. In fact, claimants even have the legal right to refer the insurance adjuster to their attorney for future communications.

Avoiding a Hasty Settlement 

Insurance companies are always out to protect their bottom line. Unfortunately, this means that they often try to settle claims quickly, even offering unfairly low settlements before a claimant understands the full extent of his or her injuries or damages. It can be tempting for claimants to accept a quick payout, so that they can start paying off their accident-related debts, but doing so could actually leave them under compensated for their actual losses. Claimants should be sure to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offers made by an insurer.

Contact Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers 

Seeking compensation by filing an insurance claim after an accident can be complicated. For help navigating this process, please call the experienced Tampa car accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson today.

Sources:

 forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/what-to-do-after-accident/

flhsmv.gov/insurance/