Tips for Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Florida

Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be a daunting task, especially when you’re already coping with the stress and potential injuries from the accident. In Florida, understanding how to navigate the insurance claim process is crucial for ensuring you receive fair compensation. Our Florida personal injury attorneys share valuable tips to help you effectively handle the insurance company after a car accident in Florida.

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Why you need to be careful dealing with auto insurance companies

In our previous blog, “How to Lower Auto Insurance Rates in Florida,” we reported a 22% increase in auto insurance premiums in Florida in 2023. Across the state, drivers are seeing the prices of car insurance go up. Yet, the profits of auto insurance companies are also growing. For example, Progressive netted $1.9 billion in Q4 2023, a 141% increase from the $826.4 million the company netted in Q4 2022, according to the company’s December earnings release. 

Before we provide tips on how to handle insurance companies after a car accident in Florida, it’s important to understand that insurance companies operate as for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to maximize profits for their shareholders. As a result, they often employ strategies to minimize the amount they pay out in claims, which can include offering low initial settlement amounts, delaying payments, or disputing the extent of your injuries and damages.

This profit-driven approach means that despite their advertising claims of being there for you in times of need, insurance companies frequently do not have your best interests in mind. Instead, their focus is on protecting their bottom line, which can lead to a conflict of interest when you are seeking fair compensation for your losses. Understanding this dynamic is crucial when navigating the claims process and advocating for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

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6 tips for dealing with the insurance company after a car accident in Florida

Below we provide six tips for dealing with insurance companies after a car accident in Florida. While you can handle the insurance claim on your own, we highly recommend you contact Darrigo & Diaz if you were injured in a car accident in the greater Tampa Bay area. Having legal representation ensures the insurance company will not take advantage of you. Learn more about the benefits of hiring an experienced accident attorney here.

1. Report the accident promptly

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report accidents promptly, and delaying this step could jeopardize your claim. Provide the necessary details, but keep your statements factual and concise.

Why this matters: Prompt reporting ensures that your claim is processed in a timely manner and prevents any issues with policy compliance that could affect your coverage.

2. Document everything

Gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This includes taking photos of the vehicles, damages, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report if available.

Why this matters: Comprehensive documentation supports your claim by providing clear evidence of the accident’s circumstances and the extent of the damages.

3. Be cautious with initial statements

When speaking to the insurance adjuster, be careful about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident details. Stick to the facts and avoid giving recorded statements without consulting with an attorney first.

Why this matters: Statements made to the insurance company can be used against you to minimize or deny your claim. It’s important to protect your rights by being cautious with your words.

4. Understand your policy

Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy’s coverage, including any Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, collision coverage, and liability limits. Knowing your policy details can help you understand what compensation you are entitled to receive.

Why this matters: Understanding your coverage ensures that you can advocate for yourself and avoid accepting settlements that do not fully cover your damages.

5. Don’t accept the first settlement offer

Insurance companies often offer a quick settlement that is lower than what you may deserve. For this reason, it is highly recommend to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can be your legal advocate and protect your rights.

Initial settlement offers from the insurance company are usually very low—often much lower than what a personal injury lawyer can get for you. According to the Insurance Research Council, accident victims with legal representation receive settlements nearly 3.5 times higher than those without. Therefore, we encourage everyone to contact an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting any offers from the insurane company.

Why this matters: Accepting an initial low offer can leave you without adequate compensation to cover your expenses and future needs related to the accident.

6. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney

Hiring a personal injury attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensure all necessary documentation is provided, and help you navigate any disputes.

Why this matters: Legal representation can level the playing field and increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Personal injury attorneys understand the tactics used by insurance companies and can protect your rights throughout the process.

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Contact Darrigo & Diaz before speaking with the insurance company after a car accident in Florida

Call (813) 774-3341 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, contact Darrigo & Diaz before speaking with the insurance company. Our experienced, board certified personal injury attorneys will be your advocate and protect your rights. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts to protect their profits, employing tactics that can undervalue your claim or pressure you into a quick, inadequate settlement. The Florida personal injury attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz understand these strategies and can effectively counter them by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering compelling evidence, and accurately calculating the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We are here to help you. Contact us immediately through our secured contact form. Or call our office at (813) 774-3341 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and connect with an experienced and knowledgeable accident lawyer.