When most people get into an accident in Sarasota or Manatee Counties in Florida, they assume that their insurance covers their injuries and property damage. However, whether your crashtook place on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton or on Clark Road in Sarasota, it is important to remember that the primary goal for any insurance company is to pay out as little as possible for every claim. Here are some sneaky strategies Florida insurance companies use to limit car accident claims.
Common Excuses Insurance Companies Use
Many insurance companies will try to find a way to convince you that the injury claim you submitted is worth less than what you requested. Even if you totaled the losses and have been paying for complete and full coverage, you may be surprised to hear a few of these excuses.
Didn’t Seek Medical Attention
We already know that we must seek medical attention immediately following an accident. However, not going shouldn’t be a valid reason for denying or lessening a claim. Many people go into shock after an accident, so instead of going to the hospital, they go home to see their families. They may not even begin feeling any pain until hours after the accident.
As long as you seek medical attention as soon as you can after the accident, and the medical professional says that your injuries were caused by the crash, you should receive compensation for those medical bills. Florida has a 14-day rule that states you have 14 days to seek medical attention if you want to claim personal injury benefits.
You Were Partially to Blame
The insurance company may also put some of the blame on you. However, Florida is considered a no-fault state, so it really doesn’t matter if you played a role in the accident or not, and it should not be a reason for the insurance company to deny or limit your claim.
You Weren’t Wearing Your Seatbelt
It is illegal for Florida drivers to not wear a seatbelt, but this is another thing that shouldn’t limit compensation following an accident. There is no legal basis to deny or limit a claim for this, driving with a suspended license or being charged with traffic citations.
Vehicle Was Defective
On their hunt for other deniable causes for an auto accident claim, a sneaky insurance company tactic may be to claim the vehicle you were driving was defective. If they find that the brake pads were worn away or there were other mechanical or electrical issues, they will use this information to reduce the amount of compensation you receive or deny the claim altogether.
However, this is only a viable excuse if the defect was what directly caused or contributed to the cause of the car accident.
You Have Already Made Other Claims
If you have submitted other claims previously, the insurance company will see you as accident-prone. They do this even if there is no proof that you were the cause of the accidents in the past. Insurance companies can use this information to potentially raise car insurance rates, but it should not be used to deny or limit a current claim.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do to ensure your insurance company isn’t using any of these sneaky tactics to limit your car accident claim? Consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you resolve any issues. They can be the middleman between you and the insurance company and can negotiate and appeal claims.
Many times, your claim will be limited because the tactics worked. You may not be aware of your rights in this kind of situation. Don’t let this be the reason you collapse into debt following your car accident. Find an attorney who can help you fight back.
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