What Should I do Before and After I File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
If you have questions regarding the recent car accident you were involved in, contact a Fort Lauderdale, FL lawyer who can answer them for you.
You were involved in an auto accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL and you are now wondering what you should do. Do you call your insurer right away and report the incident or wait until you talk to a lawyer? Does it even benefit to consult with a Fort Lauderdale, FL car accident attorney before filing your claim or wait until you have spoken with an adjuster? Like most individuals who have just been involved in a wreck, it’s normal to have these questions and many others, and you may find that you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the incident. Therefore, allow us to provide you with some answers that will hopefully help ease your mind and get you closer to receiving the compensation you are entitled to collect.
Before You File a Claim
There are certain steps you should consider taking before you file a claim with your insurer which we have outlined for you below.
- Take a moment to familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage. Revisiting your insurance policy will help you to better understand what your insurer will and will not cover. Look at the types of coverage you purchased along with your limits so you know how much you are entitled to collect before speaking with an insurance agent who may tell you something different. Unfortunately, not all insurance agents and adjusters provide you with accurate information so it is best you take the time to understand your policy before filing your claim.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Although you may not feel you want to hire a lawyer just yet, there is no harm in meeting with an experienced attorney before filing your claim to find out what your injuries and property damage is worth. Attorneys like Gabriela C. Novo have a great deal of experience in handling car crash cases so it is best to obtain an estimate before filing a claim so you can compare what your lawyer told you to the amount the adjuster provides you with. Now, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately after the accident as some insurance companies might deny your claim if you fail to report it in a timely manner, says the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services.
After You File a Car Accident Claim
- Understand your insurer’s responsibilities. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services, your insurance company is “responsible for the proper, timely and reasonable investigation of claims.” Your insurer is required to inform you in writing whether it is denying or investigating your claim within 30 days after receiving the completed proof-of-loss forms from you. In the event your auto accident claim was denied, your insurer is expected to provide you with an explanation as to why. It is important that you connect with FL car accident lawyer Gabriela C. Novo immediately if you receive a denial notice.
- Don’t get repairs done until your insurer has inspected the damage. After a collision has occurred and it has been reported to the insurance company, a claims adjuster will come out to inspect the damage. It is important that your vehicle is not worked on under any circumstance until an adjuster has come out.
- Understand your rights. After an adjuster has inspected your vehicle, he/she will evaluate the damage and offer you a payment for your damages. If you don’t agree with the offer your insurance adjuster is providing you with, understand that you cannegotiate with him/her. In fact, should you choose to retain a lawyer to help with your claim, they can assist you with the negotiation process and help prove to the adjuster why you deserve more than what they have offered you.
To better understand what your accident is worth, you’ll want to consult with a car crash lawyer in Fort Lauderdale today.
As stressful as times may be for you right now, they don’t have to be when you have a legal expert working by your side, guiding you in the right direction. With that in mind, if you would like to discuss your recent accident with a lawyer who will have your best interest in mind, contact Gabriela C. Novo, P.A. to schedule an initial consultation. Attorney Gabriela C. Novo will work closely with you so that you understand what your rights are and how you can recover the maximum amount of compensation your injuries and damages entitle you to.
Gabriela C. Novo, P.A. is located at:
200 S.E. 6th Street, Suite 102
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-822-5198
Website: www.novoatlaw.com
