If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, you do not have to go through to insurance claims process alone. When a car accident lawyer represents you, you can avoid the stress and frustration of dealing with the insurance adjuster in your Fort Myers car accident claim.
The adjuster’s primary role is to investigate your claim, interview you, inspect both vehicles, and assess the insurer’s financial liability. Your personal injury lawyer will also investigate the accident and its cause. They will determine its monetary value, manage the claims process, and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Questions an Insurance Adjuster May Ask After a Car Accident
One of the things you can expect from the liable party’s insurance company when an adjuster contacts you after an accident is a plethora of questions. They may ask about:
- Your driving history, including tickets
- Your actions when the accident occurred
- Whether or not you spoke to any witnesses
- A detailed description of your injuries
- When and for how long you sought medical care
- Road and weather conditions during the accident
- Your employment history and income
- Whether you were wearing a seatbelt
- Whether you spoke to police at the scene
- Your car insurance contact information
Avoid saying anything to the adjuster that they might later use against you, such as admitting fault or apologizing. Doing so could affect the validity and value of your compensation request. Instead, allow your car accident attorney to handle all verbal, written, and virtual communication for you.
A Car Accident Attorney Serving Fort Myers Can Speak on Your Behalf
When your personal injury lawyer speaks for you, you can focus on getting better rather than answering questions. To bolster and support your case, your attorney will also speak to:
- Any accident witnesses who came forward
- The at-fault party’s legal and insurance reps
- Witnesses who participate in depositions
- Medical experts about your treatment protocol
- Financial experts about the value of your claim
In addition to letting your lawyer speak for you, you should also refrain from posting on social media about the accident, including photos of the scene or your injuries. Your lawyer will speak to the insurance adjuster for you, with your best interests and the best outcome of your claim in mind.
Understanding Financial Compensation for a Car Accident in Fort Myers, Florida
Negotiating a car accident settlement starts with understanding all the forms of financial compensation you are entitled to recover. Your recoverable economic and non-economic damages may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Car damage, loss, or diminished value
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages, if applicabl
Every car accident case is different, and yours will have a unique monetary value based on your income loss, the severity of your injuries, and the accident’s effect on your quality of life.
Collect Evidence That Proves Your Right to Financial Recovery and its Value
The insurance company will rely on evidence to tell the story of your Fort Myers car accident. Your personal injury attorney will collect and submit evidence, including the police accident report and any observations and diagrams from the investigating officer.
Evidence can also include:
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction
- Photos and video footage
- Medical records
- First responder reports
Your motor vehicle accident lawyer will compile and organize your case file rather than asking you or your family to collect evidence during your recovery.
Understanding the Stages of the Car Accident Insurance Claims Process
Every insurance company will have unique policies and guidelines that govern filing a claim after an accident. You can generally expect the following steps:
- Reporting the accident
- Obtaining the police report
- Interviewing witnesses
- Inspecting your vehicle
- Reviewing your medical records
- Browsing social media
- Requesting an interview
The insurance company’s claims adjuster will then determine the value of your claim. Your lawyer will also assess your recoverable damages, submit a compensation request, and fight hard to optimize your financial settlement.
What You Need to Know About the Statute of Limitations in Florida
Filing your lawsuit within the allotted time is mandatory in your Florida car accident case. That generally means you must file your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit within two years, per Florida Statutes § 95.11.
The statute of limitations can toll or fluctuate, according to Florida Statutes § 95.051, making compliance complicated. Your auto accident lawyer can help you avoid a filing delay that might lead to the court dismissing your lawsuit or barring its filing.
Call (954) 633-8270 for a Free Review of Your Car Accident Case
Speaking to insurance adjusters and completing and submitting all the forms required to file a personal injury claim can be overwhelming. You do not have to navigate the financial recovery process alone.
Get help dealing with insurance adjusters in a Fort Myers car accident claim by contacting our legal team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today. Our personal injury lawyers will walk you through the legal process and help you fight for fair compensation.
