Five Tips When Dealing With Auto Insurers After A Naples Car Accident
Car accidents in Naples happen with alarming frequency, causing potentially devastating impacts for local drivers. In addition to potentially debilitating injuries, you could end up paying thousands in medical bills, lost earnings, and other costs.
Dealing with insurance companies in the aftermath is always challenging. Our Naples car accident lawyer recommends these five tips to protect your rights and get the total amount you are entitled to in a claim.
- Report the Accident Promptly
Reports from Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles show that nearly 6,000 car accidents in Collier County happen each year. If you are involved in a crash, regardless of severity, follow these steps:
- Report the accident to the law enforcement immediately;
- Collect contact information for all drivers involved;
- Get medical attention for your injuries, regardless of whether they seem minor;
- Inform your insurer as soon as possible following the accident.
- Document Everything
When filing a car accident claim in Naples, document everything as evidence. This includes:
- A copy of the police report and photos or videos from the scene;
- Contact information for witnesses;
- Statements from your doctor and medical records related to your injuries;
- Estimates on the cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Understand the Full Extent Of Your Losses
Insurers often offer immediate settlements, knowing victims are in shock and often unaware of the full extent of harm suffered. Once you accept their offer, you waive the right to further compensation. To get a better idea of what you need to recover, consider the following:
- The future impact your injuries could have on your health;
- Any ongoing and future medical care;
- Lost income due to long-term disabilities.
- Keep In Mind: Insurers Are Not On Your Side
The Insurance Information Institute reports insurance companies make billions each year. Insurance adjusters often appear friendly, but their job is to find reasons to deny or downplay your claim. Keep in mind the following when dealing with them:
- Stick to the basic facts about the accident;
- Avoid speculating on what caused it or admitting fault;
- Avoid downplaying your injuries;
- Refuse to give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Consult Our Naples Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with insurers can be overwhelming, particularly when recovering from car accident injuries. Our experienced Naples car accident lawyer can take the following actions on your behalf:
- Gather additional evidence to support your claim;
- Negotiate with insurers to get the best possible settlement;
- Pursue other legal actions, such as taking the other driver to court, to get you the maximum compensation.
For Trusted Legal Help In Your Claim, Contact Our Naples Car Accident Lawyer
If you are in a car accident in Naples, protect your rights in dealing with insurers by contacting Cardinal Law, P.A. We provide the trusted legal help you need during this difficult time in your life and fight to get you the maximum settlement. Request a consultation today with our Naples car accident lawyer.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-industry-overview
