Some car accident victims prefer to handle their claims themselves. In many cases, the insurance company accepts that their driver was at fault, and it might make you wonder, “Do I need a lawyer?” Accepting fault is only a piece of a personal injury claim; the real question is how much your case is actually worth.
Before accepting a settlement, you need to understand your rights and the full value of your claim. The other insurance company is not your friend and might attempt to reduce your
rightful compensation as much as possible. Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Answer: Yes, You Need a Lawyer-Even if Insurance Accepted Your Fault
The short answer is yes: you almost certainly need a car accident lawyer in Winter Park, even if your insurance accepted your fault.
When an insurance adjuster contacts you after a car accident, truck collision, motorcycle crash, or any other incident, they are not calling to help you. They represent the other side and can manipulate you to benefit the other side and can minimize your compensation.
It is safer to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer, who will ensure that you have proper legal guidance and that your rights are protected. If you are in Florida and have been facing any issues after a car accident, call us at (689)-208-0543 for a Free Case Evaluation.
Accepting Fault Doesn’t Mean Accepting Your Damages
An early settlement offer may seem appealing, especially if you are facing medical bills or missing work. However, once you agree to settle the case and sign a release, you cannot go back and demand more money even if the injury progresses into something else.
Even with obvious liability, insurance adjusters will carefully analyze every dollar that goes out the door. Insurance adjusters may doubt the necessity of some treatments, whether or not your injury was actually caused by the accident, or whether further treatment is necessary. When insurance adjusters go beyond that scrutiny, it can become bad-faith insurance.
You can also check our car accident payout calculator in Florida to get a estimate of settlement.
Six Things You Should Not Say To an Insurance Adjuster
If an insurance adjuster calls you, you can easily prevent any manipulation from their end by avoiding making these statements:
- “It was my fault” or “I could have avoided it”. These can be used against you as per Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law.
- “I’m fine” or “I’m not hurt”. It can signify that you are making up the severity of your injury.
- Statements with “I think” can be considered speculative and not considered a fact.
- “Yes, you can record this call.” Don’t allow it because recorded statements can be used as powerful evidence against you.
- “I accept” immediately allows you to accept any settlement offer.
Am I Required to Talk to the Insurer
You are generally not legally required to speak to an at-fault party’s insurance provider.
- If the other driver’s insurance company calls, you have NO Legal Duty to cooperate.
- If any insurance adjuster asks for a recorded statement, you CAN Decline until you have legal counsel.
- If it’s your own insurance company, you can accept, but you can still consult your car accident lawyer in Winter Park first.
Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics in Florida Car Accident Injury Claims
Insurance adjusters use similar tactics across auto, car, bus, truck, and bicycle accidents in Florida. Here are some of the most common statements insurance adjusters can make:
- “How are you feeling today?” to make you say “I’m fine” and use it against you.
- Request for your full medical records to use that you already had your complexities and not the accident, which caused you injuries or worsened it.
- They may also try to settle your insurance claim for a low amount by manipulating you with “We understand your emergency, so we want to help you out.”
Why Speaking With an Attorney First Can Make a Difference
Before accepting any settlement offer, it is important to have a car accident lawyer review your case. At People for Law, we know every accident is unique. While some injuries require long periods of physical therapy and further operations that may not become evident after an accident, we work with our clients to understand how an accident has affected their lives and to help them claim compensation.
In addition, having a lawyer means you don’t have to negotiate with the insurance company on your own. We will do that while they focus on their recovery.