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Seeking compensation for your losses after an accident usually involves filing an insurance claim. When you have a claim, it is you against the insurance company, and it is up to you to fight for the compensation you deserve. The insurance companies will always put their own best interests first, so it is important to hire an experienced Fort Myers accident lawyer who will pursue your claim with your best interests in mind.

Were you injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault? If so, seeking just compensation will most likely involve filing an insurance claim. Victims can file insurance claims after vehicle collisions and other types of accidents (provided that coverage is available), and insurance companies must provide coverage under the terms of their policies.

Yet, most accident victims will still struggle to collect the financial compensation they deserve.

The reason is simple: The insurance companies put their own best interests first. Rather than helping accident victims, insurance companies focus on paying as little as possible. With this in mind, there is a lot that the insurance companies do not want you to know—but the attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. are  here to help you understand what you can expect during your claim and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

What the Insurance Companies Hope You Never Find Out

When handling accident claims, the insurance companies rely on two key factors: (i) their superior access to information, and (ii) their superior bargaining position. Insurance companies know most accident victims do not clearly understand their legal rights; and while accident victims often struggle to make ends meet, insurance companies have more than enough money to drag out the claims process as long as possible.

With this in mind, here are some key facts the insurance companies do not want you to know:

1. Liability Insurance Covers Accident Victims’ Financial and Non-Financial Losses

Accident victims who have liability claims are entitled to compensation for their financial and non-financial losses. In many cases, accident victims’ non-financial losses account for most of the value of their claim.

2. The Insurance Companies Are Required to Handle Claims in Good Faith

In Florida, insurance companies must handle claims in good faith. This is not just a moral obligation—it is required by law. If the insurance companies try to take advantage of you, you have the legal right to hold them accountable.

3. You Are Not Required to Give a Recorded Statement or Sign a Medical Release

When you report your accident, you are not required to give a recorded statement. Likewise, you are not required to sign a medical release. If you give a recorded statement or give the insurance companies access to your medical history, they will likely use these against you. You should not give a recorded statement or sign a medical release before you hire Spivey Law Firm to represent you.

4. You Have Options Available

No matter what the insurance companies say, you have options available—and you can use these options to your full advantage. This includes (but is not limited to): 

• Options for Gathering Evidence of Liability – If the insurance companies try to deny coverage, your lawyer may be able to gather evidence of liability from various sources.
• Options for Managing Your Medical Bills – If you are facing mounting medical bills, your lawyer can help you explore options for managing your bills while your claim is pending.
• Options for Calculating Your Long-Term Losses – If the insurance companies offer a lowball settlement, a lawyer with Spivey Law Firm can use various forms of evidence to calculate and prove your long-term losses.

5. There Are Several Ways an Experienced Lawyer at Spivey Law Firm Can Help with Your Claim

The insurance companies do not want you to hire a lawyer, and they may tell you that you do not need a lawyer during the claims process. But from dealing with unscrupulous claim tactics to making sure you do not settle for less than you deserve, there are several important ways an experienced lawyer can help you.

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which requires you to seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to access your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. A lawyer can help you ensure that your medical care complies with the rules under Florida law so that you do not lose coverage.

FAQs: Dealing with the Insurance Companies After an Accident in Florida

What should I do after an accident in Florida?

If you were seriously injured in an accident and you have questions about filing an insurance claim, you should consult with an experienced Fort Myers accident lawyer with Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. promptly. We will work to gather evidence, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer, file a lawsuit, if necessary, and prepare and present your case at trial, if necessary, so that you receive the compensation you deserve. 

How can I make sure the insurance companies do not take advantage of me?

Hiring an experienced lawyer at Spivey Law Firm to represent you is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect yourself against the insurance companies. By working closely with your lawyer throughout the insurance claims process, you can avoid letting the insurance companies take advantage of you.

Insurance companies often quickly after a crash offer fast, low-value settlements before long-term injuries are fully diagnosed. An attorney with Spivey Law Firm can calculate the true range of value of your economic and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).

Types of Damages that May be Recovered in Florida

Common damages that you can recover after a crash in Florida include:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life
• Emotional distress

Attorneys at Spivey Law Firm can identify every damage you deserve for your suffering to help ensure that you do not leave money on the table with the insurance company.

Is it worth hiring a lawyer to handle my insurance claim?

If you have an insurance claim after a serious accident in Florida, it will be well worth hiring an experienced lawyer at Spivey Law Firm to deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. From gathering evidence of liability to calculating the full value of your claim, there are several important ways an experienced lawyer will be able to help you. The first offer from an insurance company is often very low because they hope the injured person does not know better. If you accept a settlement without legal advice, you risk losing substantial compensation.

How Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Can Help

At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., we represent accident victims and their families. We know how the insurance companies handle accident claims, and we know what it takes to recover the financial compensation our clients deserve. We handle all accident claims on a contingency fee basis with no out-of-pocket cost to our clients, and if you have questions about hiring a lawyer to represent you, we are more than happy to provide the insights you need to make informed decisions about your next steps.

Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Fort Myers Accident Lawyer for Free

Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is an AV Preeminent Attorney Rated law firm from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating available.  It signifies that the firm has the greatest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. Hiring an attorney with Spivey Law Firm after a serious accident helps to protect your rights while preventing the insurance companies from underpaying or unfairly denying your claim.

It is beneficial to contact a personal injury attorney with Spivey Law Firm as soon as possible after any accident or incident involving injuries. Doing so can help preserve evidence and allow us to begin working on your case promptly. If you are recovering from a serious injury or caring for an injured loved one, our team can manage every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery and your family. 

If you would like to speak with a Fort Myers accident lawyer about filing an insurance claim after an accident in Florida, we invite you to get in touch with Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Call us at 239-337-7483 or toll-free at 888-477-4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com to schedule a free consultation today.