Why You Shouldn’t Accept a Quick Settlement From a Florida Insurance Company After a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, even one caused by a negligent driver, you will file your first claim for medical bills and related expenses with your own insurance company because Florida is a no-fault insurance state.
For your property and other damages, however, you may file a claim against the insurance company of the at-fault driver. If your injuries are serious, you might be able to seek compensation for any of the following:
- Car repair
- Rental car
- Wages lost now and in the future
- Mental health treatment for emotional/psychological issues
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment in life activities
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company offers you a settlement shortly after your accident, you could be tempted to accept it in hopes of meeting your financial obligations and moving on with your life. You might feel overwhelmed by medical expenses, repair costs, an inability to work, and the demands of your treatment and recovery. Accepting a fast settlement without consulting an attorney, however, is never a good idea.
Reasons Not to Accept a Quick Settlement
You are not obligated to accept the insurance company’s first offer, which will be a low one. Insurance companies stay profitable by disputing, denying, and devaluing claims. They will offer you the lowest possible settlement in hopes that you will accept it before talking to a personal injury lawyer. You should not accept such an offer for the following reasons:
- You really don’t know the extent of your injuries until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Only an experienced lawyer can investigate your accident thoroughly, calculate the value of your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation.
- A settlement agreement is final and binding, so you cannot seek more compensation if your condition worsens later.
- The insurance company is more likely to offer a fair award if you have an attorney who is willing to go to trial, which would be expensive for the insurance company.
Have You Been Offered a Settlement by a Florida Insurance Company?
Learn the fair value of your claim by consulting an experienced car accident attorney. Contact us online, start a chat, or call us at 954-755-7803 to schedule a free consultation. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees until we win your case.
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