The insurance companies of all parties involved in a car accident will investigate the incident and determine fault as needed. Florida’s no fault-laws means your insurer’s role becomes compensating you for the accident and its related expenses. However, if a serious accident leaves you with expenses beyond what your PIP policy covers, you can pursue medical expenses, lost income, and damages not covered by PIP from the other driver and their insurer.
Effectively navigating the financial recovery process can be complex and frustrating on your own. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can clarify the role of insurance companies in car accident claims in Fort Lauderdale. When a lawyer represents you, they can assess your potential compensation and fight for fair and appropriate compensation.
Compensation You Can Recover With an Effective Insurance Claim
An important role of the insurance company is to assess the value of your claim. Part of dealing with the insurance adjuster during a personal injury settlement is fighting for a fair and accurate assessment of the following recoverable damages:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Past, present, and future lost wages
- Property damage, loss, or diminishment
- Lasting impairment and disfigurement
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Your car accident attorney will collect documents that prove the value of your compensation request. This includes proof of the value of your non-economic damages which can be difficult to document on your own.
Navigating the Claims Process and Communicating With the Insurance Adjuster
The various stages of a personal injury claim settlement include a careful examination of the claims process and interactions with the insurance adjuster. The adjuster will:
- Investigate their policyholder’s role in the accident
- Request proof of your financial expenses and losses
- Negotiate your settlement demand and counteroffers
On your own, it can be challenging to deal with this potentially daunting process. If a car accident lawyer represents you, they can overcome these challenges and protect your claim by:
- Reviewing the insurance policies coverage and limitations
- Speaking to witnesses and expertswho support your claim
- Searching for traffic cam, surveillance, and smartphone footage
- Building a comprehensive collection of evidence and documents
Your lawyer will also represent you throughout the negotiation process, including sending your demand letter and weighing each monetary offer you receive. They will also make counteroffers, where appropriate, and guide you toward a well-informed decision.
The Insurance Company Will Closely Observe Florida’s Statute of Limitations
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, the personal injury and wrongful death filing deadlines are two years. If it expires, the court will not allow you to file your lawsuit at all. 
It can also negatively impact your insurance claim since the insurer could refuse any further negotiation once the statute of limitations passes. A personal injury lawyer can interpret the filing deadline, which can change based on various circumstances of your case. They can also protect you from the costly consequences of filing your lawsuit too late.
What You Need to Know About How the Settlement Negotiation Process Works
Handling your car accident claim negotiations without a lawyer can be confusing and risky. Some common pitfalls you might encounter when during settlement negotiations include:
- Accidentally implying you were at fault or not having enough evidence to support your claim
- Failure to thoroughly document your claim and damages
- Rushing your claim or accepting a speedy settlement offer
In addition to these benefits, hiring a lawyer also gives you peace of mind, which can be invaluable during an already trying time.
Florida’s Bad Faith Insurance Laws Protect Your Rights as the Injured Party
Insurance companies owe it to their policyholder, and anyone injured by their policyholder, to act in good faith when resolving a claim. Their duty of good faith means the insurer will handle your claim fairly and expediently, without undue delays.
Florida Statutes § 624.155 defines bad faith insurance tactics as:
- Failing to settle a valid claim when possible
- Not acting honestly and aboveboard
- Settling a claim without appropriate correspondence
- Failing to promptly settle a liability claim
Because insurance claims can be complex under the most favorable circumstances, it can be hard to recognize stalling and other bad faith actions on your own. When a lawyer handles your case, they can protect you from these practices. They can streamline your claim and remove the stress and burden of the process off your shoulders.
Call Contact Our Car Accident Team for Your Free Review
If you or a loved one was injured in a recent collision, you need to understand the role of the insurance company in car accident claims in Fort Lauderdale. Our car accident attorney will clarify each step of the process and fight for the best financial outcome for you.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at (954) 633-8270 to discuss your case with our legal team. We look forward to seeing how we can help.
