Six Tips For Negotiating A Car Accident Settlement In Naples
When car accidents in Naples happen, they often result in serious personal injuries. These can leave you unable to work while facing hundreds of thousands in property damages and medical costs. You may be entitled to compensation for these losses through an insurance claim. Our Naples car accident lawyer offers six tips for negotiating with insurance companies with the goal of getting the best possible settlement.
Dealing With Insurers In The Aftermath of a Naples Car Accident
Car accidents in Naples happen on a regular basis. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) advises that all motorists are required to carry a mandatory minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. When you are injured in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation in a claim.
Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies is notoriously difficult, as they look for ways to either deny or downplay claims. When negotiating a settlement, our Naples car accident lawyers recommend the following tips:
- Notify the insurer of your accident.
When a crash happens, report it to the police, exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers, and seek medical care for your injuries. In the days after, notify your insurer. Not reporting a crash in a reasonable time frame could result in denial of your claim.
- Document your injuries and the damages you suffer.
Get the contact information for any witnesses to your accident and take photos or videos at the scene documenting your damages. Keep copies of all medical records, wage statements showing lost earnings, and other documents detailing your losses.
- Avoid admitting any liability.
When dealing with insurers, avoid making any recorded statements without discussing it with our Naples car accident lawyer first. These can and will be used against you in your claim. Be wary of admitting even partial liability for the crash or downplaying the losses you suffered.
- Be wary of immediate settlements.
Sometimes insurers will surprise you and offer an immediate settlement. Realize this likely fails to factor in any future or ongoing costs and could leave you paying out-of-pocket in the long run.
- Have the claims adjuster justify any offers.
You have the right to request the insurer justify any offers. This means detailing specific amounts your settlement contains and how they reached that particular figure.
- Talk to our experienced Naples car accident lawyers before signing any documents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that even a seemingly minor car accident can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars in damages. More serious crashes can easily reach seven figures. Be aware that by accepting a settlement and signing insurance documents, you are waiving your rights to any future compensation.
Request A Consultation With Our Naples Car Accident Lawyers
Before speaking to insurers or signing any documents, contact the Cardinal Law Firm first. We help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in a car accident settlement. Request a consultation with our Naples car accident lawyers today.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/insurance/
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/#!/PublicationList/53
