Examining current patterns in car accident settlements: Forecast for 2024
Analyzing the latest trends in car accident settlements, the insurance industry, and tort law, our technological advancements, specifically the emerging development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), will most likely play a key factor in personal injury claims. However, AI will not be the only thing we see affecting how legal claims are processed and settled. Medical advancement, legalization of medical marijuana, and recent changes in the law will also play a large role in car accident settlement payouts.
Car accident victims may find the claims process difficult now. With these latest trends, the process may become even more distant and dehumanizing. A car accident lawyer will stay abreast of these trends and new laws. They will understand how these trends will affect your car accident claim and be sure to represent your best interest.
7 Trends That May Affect Car Accident Settlements
We recognize seven trends that will affect a car accident victim’s settlement. These trends are not limited to the law or car insurance but are things you will see as a part of our culture and society.
Artificial Intelligence and Insurance Claims in 2024
We have already seen the impact that chatbots and AI have had on our lives. People are using AI to create art, write essays, and search on the internet. What you may not be aware of, though, is how pervasive AI has already become. Businesses are using AI to review resumes. AI is used to manage healthcare for patients in hospitals. And anyone who has used social media has interacted with the AI monitoring the platform.
Insurance companies see the potential, and many are using AI to process claims, detect fraud, and provide limited customer services. AI allows insurance companies to process claims faster and cut down on labor costs. Regretfully, removing the human element may have negative consequences for accident victims, as they may find their claims denied for the simplest of clerical errors. With AI handling customer service, the accident victim seeking assistance from their insurer may be left feeling frustrated and alone.
Medical Advancement Will Raise Healthcare Costs
Medical advancements will also affect insurance settlements. As we learn how to heal the body more effectively, creating new medical devices, procedures, and medications, the costs of that research will be passed on to the patients and the insurance companies. That means increased medical costs, which your settlement should account for.
Social Media Used in Settlement Negotiations
If you have been in a fort myers car accident lawyer , one of the first things your fort lauderdale car accident lawyer will probably tell you is to stay off social media. Insurance adjusters could use your videos and posts against you during settlement negotiations. That innocent picture of you smiling after your accident or writing that you “feel fine” while recovering, the insurance companies can use those posts as evidence, claiming that you were not as hurt as you claimed to be.
Seeking Compensation for Mental Health
Our culture is becoming more aware of the need for mental health care. Car accidents can be traumatic events and leave victims with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. As a car accident victim, you are entitled to fair compensation to heal your body and your mind.
Legal Developments in 2024 Florida Law
There have been two major changes in tort law that will affect how claims are negotiated.
The personal injury statute of limitations has been shortened. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, accident victims now only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline has been cut in half from the previous four-year statute of limitations.
Also, the state now follows a modified comparative negligence policy. If you are 51% or more responsible for the accident, you may not recover compensation for your injuries, per Florida Statutes § 768.81. A personal injury lawyer could protect you from an insurer placing greater blame on you than deserved.
Medical Marijuana May Lead to More Changes
Medical marijuana is permitted under the legal definitions set in Florida Statutes § 381.986. However, marijuana does affect a person’s ability to operate a vehicle. It will diminish their reaction time. If you have marijuana in your system at the time of the accident, it may play a role in assigning liability for your accident.
Owners of Self-Driving Cars Are Still Liable
Florida may allow self-driving cars on our roads, but that doesn’t remove the responsibility from the driver, owner, or manufacturer. You will still be able to pursue auto accident compensation from the liable party, whoever that may be.
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Can Help
If you have any questions regarding your settlement and the legal trends in car accidents that may affect it, contact our office. Our legal team can review your car accident case for free. Our contingency fee policy means you will pay us nothing unless our miami car accident attorneys recover compensation for you. Call (954) 633-8270 today.
