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What You Need to Know About Florida Auto Insurance
If you are injured in a car accident, you will likely deal with an insurance company adjuster at some point in the process. The adjuster will analyze all of the available evidence and make a settlement offer based on their analysis. However, the adjuster’s evaluation of your injury claim and offer is almost always too low and not fair to you. You are encouraged to contact an experienced Fort Myers accident attorney at Spivey Law Firm immediately after a crash to fight for the compensation you deserve and reject the insurer’s offer if it is unfairly low.
It’s always a good rule of thumb to reject the insurance company’s first offer and consult with an experienced Fort Myers accident attorney.
Settlement Process for Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies are no different than any other for-profit company in that their primary goal is to make money. To do this, they try to convince you to settle for the smallest amount possible.
Insurance companies understand that you’re likely under a great deal of stress, and you may be struggling financially. The insurance adjuster hopes to take advantage of that by giving you a lowball offer, thinking you’ll be desperate enough to take anything, despite what the evidence may show.
Our Fort Myers Accident Attorney Can Help You Calculate the Value of Your Injuries
For the average person, determining the value of your injuries may seem challenging and time-consuming, but our knowledgeable Fort Myers accident attorney is here to help. For instance, you should note that from a cost standpoint, minor injuries can be more serious than you think. Very severe injuries, such as brain injuries or paralysis, may result in extensive medical bills that are far beyond the average person’s financial means, particularly if there has been a loss of work income. Also, keep in mind that some symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident; however, they should still be accounted for when attempting to calculate a fair value for your injuries.
Given the nature of accident injuries, we advise you to contact our office for immediate assistance. Making such calculations on your own is not worth the risk of leaving money behind that you so desperately need to begin the healing process. Once you accept a settlement offer, your claim is complete. That said, the determination needs to be valued by experienced attorneys such as those at Spivey Law Firm. We understand all of the complexities involved in calculating the value of your injuries and will fight for the entire amount to which you are entitled.
About Damage Caps in Florida
Damage caps set a limit on the amount of money an injured person can receive in certain kinds of cases or for certain types of losses. Most often, these laws limit the amount of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, that an injured person can recover.
In Florida, damage caps can be complicated, and the rules remain in flux as the caps have been challenged in court with varying degrees of success. For the latest updates on Florida law, speak to the Fort Myers accident lawyers at Spivey Law Firm.
Helpful Hints Regarding Florida Auto Insurance
There are several things you can do to cover yourself more comprehensively when it comes to auto accidents in Florida. Some helpful hints include:
Contact a Lawyer Quickly
After an accident, one of your first calls should be to our office. After an accident, it is important to contact our law firm immediately so that evidence can be preserved and collected, proper investigations can be made, witnesses can be interviewed, and other important aspects for the case can be initiated. Even if you have tried to resolve the matter on your own and have already received a settlement offer, it is still important to call our law firm before signing anything with your insurance company. Our experienced accident lawyers will help you navigate Florida’s complex insurance rules and ensure that you do not take less than what you are owed.
Always Carry Bodily Injury and Uninsured Motorist Coverage.
It is extremely important to always carry bodily injury liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage under your own automobile policy. Bodily injury coverage protects you if you or someone driving your car causes an accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you, your family members, and your passengers in the event you are injured due to the careless driving of an uninsured or underinsured motorist, or even someone who flees the scene of an accident. It is recommended to carry at least $300,000 of bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage under your automobile insurance policy. It is also a good idea to purchase an umbrella/excess insurance policy that provides an even greater amount of coverage for bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage. Never reject uninsured motorist coverage.
In Florida, automobile insurance companies must include uninsured motorist coverage on your policy unless they get you to sign a form rejecting it. Never sign any forms rejecting uninsured motorist coverage. Always select “stacking“ uninsured motors coverage. Never allow your insurance company to get you to sign a form rejecting stacking uninsured motors coverage. Be very cautious if your insurance company asks you to sign a form that says, “you are electing not to purchase certain valuable insurance coverage which protects you and your family…“ Forms that have that wording in them mean that your insurance company is allowing you to give up valuable uninsured motorist coverage. Never sign those forms.
Think Carefully About Your Car Repairs & Keep Your Receipts
Repairing your car may diminish its value. Even if the insurance company pays for the accident-related damage, the compensation provided may still be insufficient. Let our car accident attorneys fight on your behalf. You may be entitled to make a diminished value claim.
Be Careful in Allowing Others to Drive Your Car.
You are responsible for anyone who drives your car. If your friend gets into an accident while behind the wheel, this may impact your premiums, and you may be sued. We all know that things occasionally happen, and some situations require someone else to operate your vehicle for whatever reason. If you choose to let someone else drive your car, make sure they have their own auto insurance.
Contact a Fort Myers Accident Lawyer for Assistance
Attorney Randall Spivey knows that accident-related injuries and deaths may be the result of car crashes as well as incidents involving various other types of moving vehicles, such as motorcycles, trucks, ATVs, boats, wave runners, and bicycles. If you have been injured in an accident, the experienced accident attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. can help. Contact us online or by calling 888-477-4839.
More Helpful Information
How Insurance Covers Florida Accidents on a Homeowner’s Property
No one expects to be injured when having fun at a neighbor’s or relative’s home. It does happen frequently. A homeowner’s property insurance may be available to compensate victims.
Why Taking Good Photos at Florida Accident Scenes Is Important
Personal injury cases are decided by the evidence, and the evidence is presented by various means, including photographs.