When you get into a car accident or any other type of motor vehicle wreck, chances are you will find a little bit of comfort knowing you can file a claim with your insurance company to recover some of your losses, as Florida is a no-fault state for auto accidents.
But imagine how devastated you’ll feel to learn at the last moment that your insurer isn’t all they seem to be. The insurance company may not be on your side when you are filing a claim, and they may be doing everything possible to minimize their financial loss when paying out on your claim. Many of their tactics are designed to protect their interests, not yours.
Below, we go into greater detail about the various ways the insurance company could try to take advantage of you when you file an insurance claim.
Florida practices pure comparative fault, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to file a claim if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, some insurance companies like to capitalize on these laws and reduce the amount they would otherwise be entitled to pay you.
A common tactic could be the insurance adjuster asking you to make a statement about the accident. Though it seems completely harmless, the insurance adjuster may plan to pick your statement apart until it looks as though you have admitted fault in some way, effectively using your own words against you.
To avoid being taken advantage of in this way, consider having your attorney handle every communication with the insurer. Your attorney can provide a statement on your behalf that describes the facts of the collision—nothing more, nothing less—should it become necessary.
Another tactic you need to know is the fast offer. Here, you’ll file your claim and shortly thereafter you’ll receive an insurance settlement offer from the insurance company. You think to yourself, “Wow, that was easy!” And you’re ready to accept.
However, sometimes this is simply another way the insurer can get away with paying you less than you deserve. In almost any case, if the insurer is making you a fast offer, your claim will actually be worth far more.
Some insurers think that if they make you an offer quickly, you’ll need the money badly enough and accept it at face value, even though you could be entitled to more. Protect yourself and review any settlement offers with your attorney before you accept them. You may be able to negotiate for a more reasonable settlement that way.
Though dealing with the insurance company is, unfortunately, a necessary part of the car accident claims process, you don’t have to go at it alone. Your highly trained Tampa car accident lawyer at Anderson & Anderson can help to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of at a time when you need financial assistance and trustworthy advice the most.
Schedule your no-cost claim review by giving our office a call at 813-251-0072 or submitting the online contact form you can find on our website.
