In Florida, auto crash claims are handled a little differently than in other states. Here, we use a no-fault system when filing insurance claims. With minor collisions, your no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover your damages, regardless of who caused the crash. But what do you do if you sustain serious injuries?
When your vehicle collision has resulted in serious injuries and extensive damages, you can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party’s insurer to collect compensatory damages to pay for your losses.
Filing an injury claim isn’t exactly easy, though, and getting the settlement you deserve is even more difficult. Why? Boris Lavent answers this question in detail below.
Dishonest Insurance Companies. That’s Why.
Insurance companies want to pay out on claims about as much as you want to visit the dentist. It’s like pulling teeth to get them to pay you fairly. If you attempt to file an injury claim on your own, you most likely won’t get the money you’re owed.
Insurance companies have some pretty inventive ways of lowering the value of your claim—and some of those ways are morally reprehensible, if not technically illegal.
One of the more devious tactics is using your statements against you in an effort to portray you as somewhat responsible for a crash you didn’t cause. Why would insurers resort to such underhanded tricks?
Because they have knowledge of this law called comparative negligence. If you’re found partially responsible for your wreck, the amount of compensation you will receive in your personal injury case will be decreased by the percentage of fault found with you.
There is a way to protect yourself from these tricksters: You must learn what not to say to an insurer about your auto collision.
Don’t Say These Things
When you’re speaking with an insurer after a car accident, do not say the following:
Sure, go ahead and record my statement!
Never let insurers record your statement. They aren’t recording your statement because they have poor memories. They want you to slip up so they can use it against you later. Need we say more?
I’m happy to tell you all about the crash without talking to a lawyer first.
Don’t give them any details about your collision before speaking with a qualified attorney. You could seriously harm your case if you do.
Here are some details about my injuries.
You shouldn’t tell the insurance company about your injuries without discussing the matter with your attorney first. You may not even know the full extent of your injuries yet, and your attorney can give that information to the insurer at the appropriate time.
Here’s the name and contact information for all my witnesses. Go ahead and call them.
Don’t give out information on your witnesses. Insurers may try to employ the same tricks with witnesses that they will try to use on you.
An Attorney to Help You Handle Insurance Companies
Knowing what to say to an insurance company after an auto accident requires in-depth experience. The attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. have helped countless car wreck victims file injury claims and get the compensation they need for damages they didn’t cause.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464
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