After being involved in a car accident, one of the first steps that a person takes is to contact their own insurance company, as well as the insurance company of the other party involved. Although this is a necessary step, dealing with insurance companies as things progress may become more complicated, especially if there are conflicting accounts of what happened or if one of the drivers is underinsured or uninsured. The Miami car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist accident victims in making sure that they are being treated fairly by an insurance company. Our firm helps clients in settlement negotiations or in pursuing legal action if the situation warrants it. The team serve victims in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you need legal guidance for a claim involving an insurance company or another issue related to a car accident, contact our office today to set up a free consultation and learn about your legal rights.
Issues Involved in Dealing with Insurance CompaniesAs with any company trying to do what is best for its business, insurance companies have a strong interest in keeping costs down when it comes to paying for a car accident victim’s injuries. As a result, an insurance company often will attempt to settle with a victim at a lower cost than what is proper for their injuries. Car accident victims should not give a recorded statement to either side’s insurance company, since the company may use this statement to reduce the amount of coverage. Additionally, you should not sign any medical authorization that an insurance company provides. It is important not to settle too quickly with an insurance company, given that treatment for injuries may be ongoing, and medical costs as well as other damages may still be uncertain. Accepting a settlement offer may mean that a victim waives their right to any future compensation.
Since Florida is a no-fault state, insurance companies must pay claims filed by their policyholders after a car accident, no matter who is found liable. To assist with these claims, victims injured in a car accident, when possible, should try to take pictures of the scene and of their injuries, as well as obtain witness accounts and police reports that may be submitted to an insurance company to show the amount of damages incurred. Even though this is a no-fault state, an at-fault driver may still be held legally accountable for any accident leading to permanent injuries.
Because of the business aspect of an insurance company’s interest in saving money, when a victim’s injuries are near the higher end of a policy’s limits, it may try to use language in the policy to deny or minimize a claimant’s settlement or avoid payment altogether. Insurance companies are required to interact with their customers in a fair and reasonable manner. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and when companies try to take advantage of car accident victims, they are at a severe disadvantage, and they sometimes may not even know their rights. Dealing with insurance companies is often an overwhelming experience, and seeking the advice of a knowledgeable attorney who can help you assert your rights and ensure that companies are acting appropriately may be important in receiving a proper settlement.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in the Miami AreaAfter a car accident, victims hope to rely on their insurance providers to uphold the terms of their policies so that they can properly pay for their treatment. Sometimes, victims may need to seek help from a motor vehicle collision attorney who is familiar with the process to make sure that their policy is being honored. The Miami lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon aid car accident victims in all stages of their insurance claims, as well as in pursuing legal action when necessary. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident and need assistance with an insurance issue, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your legal matter.