If you are hurt in a Florida car accident and need to file a claim for your injuries with the responsible driver’s insurance company, you probably assume the process is relatively straightforward: Fill out the forms, send them to the insurance agent, and wait to receive the check. In reality, filing a claim to recover compensation for your losses is anything but easy. Insurance companies are businesses motivated by profits; paying out large sums to accident victims does not align with their business objectives. Therefore, adjusters will look for weaknesses in your claim, seeking out reasons to reject it or offer a low settlement amount to resolve it. If the offer does not adequately compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, your rights are at risk. Talk to an experienced Florida car accidents attorney if an insurance company responds to your claim with any of the following excuses:
You Failed to Establish Fault of the Other Driver
An insurance company will discuss the accident with its own policyholder. If that version of events contradicts your own, you can expect the adjuster to deny your claim. You have more credibility and can avoid a “he said/she said” situation by taking photos, jotting down notes, talking to witnesses, and gathering other proof of fault to include with your claim.
You Delayed Seeking Medical Attention
The longer you wait to get medical care, the more likely it is that an insurance agent will assume your injuries are minor. If there is a significant gap between the car accident and your visit to a healthcare provider, an insurer may even argue that your injuries are a result of some other incident after the crash.
Your Claim Exceeds the Policyholder’s Coverage Amount
Florida law does not, as of the date of this article, require a person to purchase bodily injury liability coverage which pays for injuries to someone else when the insured is at fault. Some drivers may elect to purchase bodily injury liability coverage but, even when they do, they may purchase an amount which is insufficient to cover the damages they cause, especially in severe automobile accidents. An attorney can help you identify all available coverages and advise if there is a likelihood of recovering beyond any liability coverage.
Discuss Insurance Claim Denials with a Skilled Ocala, FL Car Accident Lawyer
An insurance company may reject your claim for legitimate reasons, but an adjuster may also deny compensation based upon other factors. If you do not know the law, you may not know how to fight for your rights. Instead of putting your compensation at risk, talk to our experienced auto collision attorneys at Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law. We offer a free initial consultation at our Ocala, FL, so please contact us 352-558-8480 or visit us online to schedule your appointment today.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html