If you have been injured in an accident, you are probably wondering how much of an ordeal you will have to go through in order to get the money that you deserve. Keeping good records and hiring an experienced law firm, like Abercrombie Lakeland personal injury attorney can help you make a solid case to your insurance company. There are a few steps you should take to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Obey the Law at the Scene of the Accident
Although having an accident is extremely stressful, it is important to exchange information with the other driver at the scene. Make sure to stay at the scene and wait for the police to arrive. Take pictures of both cars and get the names of any witnesses that might be around. Never admit to guilt at the scene, because there may be some circumstances of which you are unaware.
Go to Your Doctor
If you are badly injured, you are likely to be taken to the hospital, but even if you aren’t, you should still be examined by a doctor. There are some injuries that may not be immediately apparent after an accident. Save all of your receipts for co-pays, medications and medical treatments. Be sure to get the HR department of your company to provide documentation of the time you have taken off of work to deal with the accident.
Call Your Insurance Company
Florida is a no-fault Insurance state, which means that your own insurance company must pay for your bills no matter who was at fault. If the amount of your bills exceeds the amount for which you are insured and the other driver is at fault, you may be able to sue them for damages. Make sure to tell the insurance company every detail that you remember about the accident. They may ask to record the conversation and you have the right to refuse.
Once you have reported the accident, the insurance company will then have 14 days to respond to a claim. They will request any information they need to make a decision about your claim and then they will have 90 days to pay or deny your claim. Before accepting their offer, it is very important to consult with a lawyer.
Have a Consultation with an Attorney
Ideally, you should have a lawyer through the entire accident process. However, many people wait until their insurance company makes them an offer. Insurance adjusters are paid to keep their company’s money in house, and you will need someone on your team who has years of experience dealing with insurance claims in the state of Florida. Insurance companies are staffed with teams of lawyers working to cheat you out of the money to which you are entitled, you need to fight them with a trained lawyer of your own. Following the right steps after an accident can make getting the money you are owed a smoother and faster process.
*Authoritative Sources:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/frfaqgen.html
https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance