A serious car accident can have a ripple effect into various areas of your life. From your physical well-being to your financial stability, you may find it difficult to pick up the pieces and move forward from that point. If your accident was the result of the negligent or reckless actions of another Florida driver, you could have grounds to move forward with a civil claim.
You may not be certain if legal action is necessary, especially if you are also dealing with injuries and other accident-related complications. Seeking appropriate compensation does not necessarily mean you have to experience a stressful court battle – you may be able to settle your claim out of court. Before you accept a settlement offer from an insurance company or move forward with negotiations, it can help to know what to expect and how to protect your rights.
Fighting for the recovery you deserve
The process of getting better and moving forward after an accident can be an expensive and complicated journey. You may have damage to your personal property, medical bills coming in and injuries that keep you from working. If you wish to settle your car accident case out of court while still getting what you need to address your financial losses and other damages, you may have to walk through the following steps:
- One of your first steps is to write a demand letter stating how much you need from the insurance company to properly address the damages you experienced.
- It is helpful to do your research and know what the insurance policy should cover and how much you need for fair compensation. An insurance company’s priority is its own bottom line, so it’s smart to aim high when stating a number.
- Don’t get discouraged if the insurance company does not respond to your demands or counters with an offer that is significantly less than what you deserve.
- Be persistent when things do not go your way. You are under no obligation to accept an offer if it is not fair. It can take several months to negotiate a reasonable settlement.
- If the insurance company offers a settlement you consider reasonable, write down everything agreed upon in detail for your records and for the claims adjuster.
Dealing with insurance companies, whether it’s your own or the responsible party’s provider, is not easy. It can be overwhelming to negotiate, and you should be patient when your injury-related bills are piling up. You do not have to walk through this process alone. There is significant benefit in working with an experienced attorney who can speak to insurance companies on your behalf or help you proceed with a lawsuit, if necessary.