How To File A Car Accident Claim In Florida
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience – and the claims process can be confusing. Filing a car accident claim in Florida involves several crucial steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. Given the complexities, working with an experienced attorney can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, we are always responsive to our clients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Pasco County, Florida. We encourage our clients to reach out to our attorneys with their questions, and we are available 24/7. As experienced litigation and trial attorneys with over 35 years of combined experience, you can focus on getting well, and we will handle the rest.
For the best chance at maximizing compensation, contact our Florida car accident lawyers at 727-222-1570 to help you file a claim. We offer FREE consultations!
Documenting The Accident
Proper documentation of the accident is the foundation of a strong claim. Here is what you need to do:
- Call the police: Even if the police don’t respond, it is essential to document the incident. Obtain an exchange of information report from the police.
- Gather information: Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact details and insurance information. Take photographs of the vehicles, the accident scene and any visible injuries.
- Seek witnesses: Look for nearby businesses that may have surveillance cameras. Also, eyewitness statements can be invaluable. If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information.
Having physical evidence of the accident can significantly impact your case.
Initiating The Claim
Once you have documented the accident, it is time to initiate your claim. Contact your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurance company to initiate the process.
When describing the accident, be concise. Provide details like, “I was stopped and a vehicle rear-ended me.” Mention if you are injured, but keep it general.
Additionally, do not provide a recorded statement to your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurance company without consulting an attorney. These statements can be used against you later to minimize your claim.
Handling Insurance Adjusters
After setting up the claim, you will deal with multiple insurance adjusters. They include:
- Property damage adjuster: This adjuster will handle the repairs to your vehicle. It is safe to coordinate the estimate, rental car and repairs with them without discussing liability or injuries.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) adjuster: Florida is a no-fault state, so your PIP insurance will cover some of your initial medical expenses. The adjuster will request that you complete a PIP application and medical authorizations. However, even with your PIP insurance covering some of your initial bills, it is unlikely that it will cover all of your bills and will not cover many of your other damages like future medical care needs and pain and suffering. This is why it is still important to bring an injury claim with the help of an experienced Florida accident attorney.
- Liability injury adjuster: The adjuster for the at-fault party will handle the injury aspect of your claim. Do not provide medical authorizations directly to this adjuster.
During these processes, try to ensure your attorney is present. They can provide more information on the documents needed to streamline the process.
Dealing With Medical Authorizations
The insurance process often involves requests for medical authorizations. Your insurance company may ask for medical authorizations. Depending on your policy, you might not be required to provide these. Your attorney can advise on whether you need to comply with these requests.
However, you should not provide medical authorizations to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your attorney should control the dissemination of your medical information to protect your privacy and the strength of your claim.
How A Florida Car Crash Attorney Can Help In The Claims Process
The insurance companies involved will have teams of adjusters and legal professionals working to protect their interests. It is, therefore, crucial to have a skilled attorney by your side to level the playing field. An attorney will:
- Advise on statements: Help you avoid making statements that could be used against you
- Handle communications: Communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Manage medical records: Help ensure that only the necessary medical records are released to the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Negotiate settlements: Advocate for a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
While you may consider doing these by yourself, an accident attorney is an invaluable part of making the entire process smooth and will almost always be able to get you more financial compensation than you would be able to obtain on your own.
How The Claims Process Works
Filing a car accident claim in Florida involves multiple steps and interactions with various parties. Here are the main stages:
- Documentation
- Initiating the claim
- Adjuster interaction
- Medical records management
- Settlement negotiation
- Taking the case to trial in the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached
The time frame may differ depending on the technicalities of your case.
Simplifying The Complex Process
Filing a car accident claim in Florida is a complex process that requires meticulous documentation and strategic communication. At Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, our attorneys can simplify this process, helping ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, do not wait to get the help you need. Call 727-222-1570 or use our online form to schedule a complimentary consultation.