18 Sep

FL Property Damage Lawyer

Representing the Rights of People Making Insurance Claims Based on Personal Injury and Property Damage

When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it can result in significant property damage to your vehicle and severe injury to you. Fortunately for individuals whose property has been damaged in a wreck, Florida law typically allows victims to recover compensation—provided that they can establish that their accident was the result of someone else’s legal negligence.

Importantly, most car accident cases involving injury and property damage are resolved by the victim hiring a lawyer and making a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If liability is not contested, the insurance company and the victim attorney can come to a settlement agreement that is intended to cover the injuries and losses sustained by the victim. While insurance companies may seem willing to settle a case quickly and reasonably, it is essential for victims to keep in mind that insurance companies only have a legal obligation to their customers—not to non-customers making a claim on someone else’s policy. In addition, the way that insurance companies stay profitable is by limiting their liability—even on valid claims. For this reason, insurance companies generally try to settle injury claims for as little as possible, and it is important for victims to retain an attorney to ensure that their legal rights are protected.

At Florida Law Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers are committed to helping people obtain the full and fair value of their claim after an accident involving property damage. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney, call our office today at 833 352 5297 or send us an email through our online contact form.

Even Minor Vehicle Collisions Can Result in Significant Injuries

Many people are under the mistaken impression that relatively minor accidents generally do not result in significant claims. The reality is that all body work is expensive, and even a relatively low-speed bump can cause thousands of dollars in damage and often debilitating injuries. If there is a need to replace body panels and match paint colors, repair bills of several thousands of dollars are not uncommon. For this reason, many accidents involving property damage involve a vehicle being declared a total loss—meaning that it would cost more to repair the car than the car is worth.

Whose Insurance Will Cover Your Losses?

Sometimes, drivers who have been involved in an accident that caused personal injury and property damage may be confused about whose insurance they should contact. After all, as a driver, you dutifully pay your car insurance premiums each month in return for coverage. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will cover the medical expenses, lost wages and property damage of the other drivers involved. If the police responded to your accident, the report prepared by the officer who showed up will likely indicate the identity of the person the police believe was at fault. Fault is determined based on negligence. Some of the more common ways that a driver may negligently cause a serious accident resulting in property damage include the following:

  • Speeding
  • Driving while distracted
  • Following too closely
  • Running stop signs or stop lights
  • Failing to properly maintain a vehicle
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road
  • Making improper turns

If the police did not respond to the scene of your accident, the insurance company will make a determination of fault based on the drivers’ accounts of what occurred and any other relevant evidence.

There are some situations in which you can make a claim on your own insurance policy even if the other driver was at fault for the accident. For example, you can make a claim on your own policy when the at-fault driver is uninsured, or if you were involved in a hit and run accident. If you are unclear about how you should proceed, you can always discuss your case with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers at no cost to you.

What if Your Own Insurance Company Refuses to Cover Your Loss?

If you do make a claim on your insurance policy, it is possible that your insurer may deny your claim and refuse to cover your losses. Unlike someone else’s insurance company, your own insurance company has a legal duty to deal with your claim in good faith, meaning that you may be able to take legal action if your insurance company is trying to avoid paying on a valid claim. Some of the reasons that an insurance company may give for denying your claim include the following:

  • You did not file your claim in time
  • You made false statements
  • Your coverage was lapsed at the time of your accident
  • You failed to provide enough documentation

When Should You Call an Attorney?

The best time to call a lawyer after an accident is as soon as you possibly can, once you have received all necessary medical attention for any injuries. Once an attorney gets involved, he or she will evaluate the facts of your case and determine how best to proceed. In addition, your lawyer will communicate with the insurance company for you, making sure that you do not do or say anything that could harm your chances of recovering compensation for the losses you have sustained. An attorney will ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly—whether you are making a claim with your insurance company or someone else’s. Finally, if the insurance company is unwilling to offer you a settlement offer that is adequate, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the other driver or insurance company so that you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

Call the Florida Law Group Today to Speak to an Insurance and Property Damage Lawyer

If you have sustained damage to your property in a preventable accident, it is important that you take the time to discuss your options with an attorney as soon as you can. The assistance of a lawyer can help significantly in making sure that the insurance company treats you fairly and that your losses are adequately compensated. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers, call the Florida Law Group today at 813-337-6891 or send us an email through our online contact form.