After a Florida auto accident, most people believe they will be covered for their injuries and property damages. They paid their insurance companies regularly to ensure that they would be covered in the event of an accident. No matter how much they claim to care for their customers, insurance companies are still businesses. They want to pay as little money as possible to claimants, even if that means using devious or underhanded tactics to avoid paying them the full amount.

Common Excuses Insurance Companies Use to Limit Car Accident Claims

Insurance companies often try to convince victims that their injury claims are worth less than what they have requested. Insurance representatives may reduce or deny a claim even if the victim has meticulously calculated the total amount of loss and is entitled to full coverage.

●       Didn’t go to an emergency room after the accident. Although it is a good idea for you to visit the hospital right away after the accident, this doesn’t mean that your claim will be denied. After a car accident, many victims drive home to assure their loved ones that they are okay. It may take hours or days for them to start feeling pain. If your doctor treated you shortly after the accident, and believes that your injuries were caused by the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses.

●       Was partially responsible. Insurance companies may take advantage of victims who feel guilty for being partially at fault. Florida has no-fault coverage, so your actions don’t really matter.

●       Didn’t wear a seatbelt. Although it is illegal to not wear a belt, this does not prevent drivers from receiving injury compensation from their insurer. In the same way, drivers who are driving without a valid license or with a suspended driving license can be charged with traffic offenses and face further suspensions. However, the insurer cannot reduce the coverage of their policy.

●       I was driving a defective car. Insurance firms will often inspect the vehicle that you were driving to find any reason they can deny your claim. Insurance companies may deny claims due to worn brake pads, burnt-out lights, or electrical problems. They could also reject claims for any defect that would reduce the amount owed. A claim will only be denied if a defect in a vehicle directly caused the accident.

●       Has filed prior claims. An insurance company might consider a driver accident-prone if they have previously made claims. This is true even if the driver was never at fault for the crash. Insurance companies can raise rates based on a driver’s past accident history. However, this is not a reason to deny or limit claims.

●       You should have avoided the accident. The insurance company will send you a letter saying that your claim has been denied because you could have handled the situation differently. Florida auto insurance claims are not affected by fault. An attorney can assist in resolving this issue.

●       Hasn’t followed up on the claim. The insurance companies have a limited window of time in which victims may make, negotiate, and appeal their claims. It’s common for victims to be told that their insurance files have been closed because they are in the hospital following a car accident.

A closed file may be easily reopened and the victim can still recover compensation if the statute of limitation has not expired. In Florida, if there is a fatal accident or injury, the statute is either two years or four.

https://wleeclark.com/  is a dedicated law firm based in Lakewood Ranch, FL, specializing in personal injury, slip and fall injury attorneys near you, mass torts, defective product lawyer near you, tobacco and vaping-related cases, and wrongful death attorney in Florida. With extensive experience and a client-first approach, the firm proudly serves clients throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Whether you’ve been injured due to a defective product or are seeking justice for the wrongful death of a loved one, W. Lee Clark & Associates provides the guidance and legal representation you need to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Schedule your consultation today!