How to Explain a Car Accident to Insurance Companies in Florida
When you describe a car accident to the insurance company in Florida, just stick to the basics, like where and when it occurred, your contact information, and all the parties involved. However, if you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case, they can speak to the insurer on your behalf.
While you focus on recovering from your injuries or taking care of your injured loved one, they can help provide the neccessary information in a timely fashion and comply with Florida’s statute of limitations.
Information the Insurance Company Will Request
When another driver causes a West palm beach car accident attoreny , you can request compensation from their auto insurance company. However, the insurer will require proof that their policyholder’s negligence caused the accident and will request the following information:
- Your recollection of events
- Proof of the damage to your car
- Proof of your financial damage
- Medical records and bills
You yourself do not have to provide these details. However, if you speak to the insurance representative before you get a car accident lawyer, give only straightforward information, including:
- Your name and contact details
- The accident’s date, time, and location
- The make and model of both vehicles
Answer questions succinctly and directly without adding information or accepting blame.
What You Should Not Say When Describing a Car Accident
After a car accident, it can be tempting to talk about what happened, how you were hurt, and how your car was damaged. Avoid this temptation, as well as:
- Making any type of apology
- Saying you were not injured
- Blaming the at-fault driver
- Posting photos on social media
- Arguing with the at-fault driver
Ideally, you should refrain from speaking to the insurance company and instead let a boynton beach car accident lawyer represent you and deal with them for you.
Why You Should Let a Lawyer Deal With the Insurance Company
Recovering damages from the at-fault party’s insurance representative is a complex, involved process, but your lawyer can handle it for you so you can focus your time and energy on getting better. When dealing with the insurer, your Fort Myers car accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the details of your accident
- Prove the at-fault party’s negligence
- Calculate your potential recoverable damages
- Compile supporting evidence and documents
- Complete and submit forms and paperwork
- Clarify legal and insurance language
- Answer your questions and concerns
Your lawyer will lead negotiations and represent you in court if they cannot come to a settlement agreement. They can also provide you with ongoing notices on any progress or development in your case.
Your Car Accident Attorney Can Explain and Respect the State’s Filing Deadline
Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations was recently decreased from four to two years. Accordingly, per Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have only two years to file suit. You also have two years if you’re suing for wrongful death.
Filing your lawsuit too late could prevent you from filing it at all, which could mean you cannot compel the at-fault driver to compensate you. This matters to your car accident insurance claim because if you don’t file your lawsuit on time, the insurance company may stop negotiating with you altogether.
Evidence the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company Will Request
The evidence your lawyer and the insurance representative collect will determine the outcome of your car accident case. Your case file will contain:
- The police report
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Employment records
- Accident scene photos
- Accident reconstruction
- Injury photos
- Lay witness statements
Let your legal team handle the task of evidence collection. They can compile and organize the evidence and present it to the at-fault party on your behalf.
Your Lawyer Can Steer Your Case Toward a Settlement Versus a Trial
Most car accident cases are settled out of court. This typically happens based on the weight of the accumulated evidence. Your lawyer will work to achieve an optimal out-of-court settlement for you by:
- Sending your demand letter
- Weighing settlement offers
- Explaining their feasibility
- Making appropriate counteroffers
Your lawyer will handle every aspect of the negotiation process for you and strive to achieve the best available settlement.
Call Our Firm for Your Free Car Accident Consultation Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, you are entitled to receive financial compensation. What you say when you describe the car accident to the insurance in Florida could influence your ability to recover damages. We can help.
Let our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer deal with the insurance company and protect your right to compensation. Find out how we can advocate for you when you connect with our team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. You’ll receive a complimentary consultation when you call.So contact us (954) 633-8270 to start a free case review.
