The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) found that there were 314,399 auto accidents in 2020. Injured parties have a right to receive damages from their insurers first. But this is not often the case and some Farmers insurance claims in Florida are not accepted. The insurance company may work to reduce their liability after an accident.
Insurance adjusters are only looking out for their employer's interests when they are handling your claim. Thus, you cannot hold them responsible for receiving a lowball offer. Having a personal injury attorney can improve your chances of receiving a better settlement.
Calculating the Value of Your Claim
The value of your claim will vary based on the severity of your injuries. One technique that insurers often use to reduce liability is making a fast settlement. Do not accept any offer without knowing how much your injuries will cost you. Some injuries have long-term and even permanent effects on your body and quality of life.
If your injuries are too severe, you can qualify for underinsured motorist coverage. The state of Florida requires auto insurers such as Farmers Insurance to offer underinsured motorist coverage. The policy is specifically designed to help cover the cost of injuries if they exceed what you can recover from the liable party.
The second factor affecting the amount of compensation you can receive is property damage. The insurer should cover:
- Cost of renting a car
- Cost of taking the damaged car to a repair shop
- Cost of buying replacement parts for the vehicle
The insurance policy covering you is another main factor determining the worth of your claim. The insurance company is legally required to compensate up to the limits of your policy. The personal injury protection benefits offered under Florida's laws are not enough to meet the value of a claim, especially if the accident was serious or fatal.
A personal injury lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim. A lawyer will ensure that any negotiation with Farmers Insurance has your interests at heart. A lawyer will help you file a third-party claim against Farmers Insurance if the negotiations fail.
Dealing With Insurance Claims in Florida
The first thing you need to know about insurance companies is that they really care about their bottom line. The company's employees will work very hard to reduce any settlement they have to make to injured parties. The insurance adjusters often use their experience and expertise in the industry to get injured parties to accept low offers.
A lawyer can help by:
- Properly investigating the accident
- Determining the cause of the accident and the at-fault parties
- Gathering evidence, such as photographs and videos
- Collecting witness statements
A car accident lawyer will not be afraid to pursue damages through litigation. Farmers Insurance has the resources and legal personnel to ensure that there is a drawn-out litigation process. Having legal representation can help you seek compensation while you focus on your health.
Notifying Farmers Insurance of the Accident
After an accident, it is important to contact insurance companies and inform them of the event. But, whether you are the injured party or the liable one, ensure you have notified Farmers Company. It may be a requirement of your policy that you can only recover damages only if you informed the company of the accident.
Once you notify the insurance company, they have 30 days to go over your claim. The duration of the investigation will depend on the number of parties involved in the accident. During this time, Farmers Insurance should cater for:
- Cost of surgery if needed
- Cost of medication for your injuries
- Cost of medication
- Ambulance fees and any other medical expenses
You should also notify Farmers Insurance if you are at fault for the accident. But do not admit guilt or take responsibility. Let the police conduct an investigation and reach their own conclusion. You can still recover damages if you are partly at fault for the accident.
A personal injury lawyer can help protect you from insurance adjusters who may use comparative negligence to your disadvantage. You can notify Farmers Insurance through a phone call or online. Farmers Insurance Claims in Florida follow a certain procedure. The earlier you notify the insurance provider, the less time it will take to recover damages.
You should also notify the insurance company if the injured party dies due to the injuries they have sustained. A wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family understand who can recover damages.
Suing Farmers Insurance After an Auto Accident in Florida
You can sue Farmers Insurance through a third-party claim if they are the liable party's insurer. This is a suitable option if the company refuses your claim and does not want to offer a fair settlement.
You can also sue Farmers Insurance if they fail to act in good faith while handling your claim as a client. A personal injury lawyer can help you take on the insurance company. With legal representation, you will not have to worry about the legal complexities involved in personal injury claims.
Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
A personal injury lawyer can help answer any question you have about Farmers Insurance claims in Florida. A lawyer will determine the value of your claim and help you negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
Get a free consultation today by calling Dolman Law Group today.