Dealing with an Insurance Claims Adjuster after a Florida Accident

After you have been involved in an accident in Florida and have filed an insurance claim, you'll get a call from an insurance claims adjuster. It's best that you speak with a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer before you speak with a claims adjuster so you are prepared to handle the conversation.

An insurance claims adjuster will use several tactics to minimize or deny your claim.

Some common insurance industry tactics include: 

• Offering a quick settlement - an insurance claims adjuster will offer a low settlement very soon after your accident in hopes that you will accept without estimating your actual losses or considering your legal options.
• Getting a recorded statement - they will begin with small talk to help you relax. Often they'll ask misleading questions to get you to admit fault, minimize your injuries or use confusing sentences or questions to cause you to say something they can use as an excuse to reduce or deny your claim.
• Getting you to sign a medical authorization - the insurance adjuster will try to get your complete medical history so they can perhaps blame a pre-existing condition for your injuries. When you sign a medical authorization form, it usually gives the insurance company access to your entire medical history, not just the injuries associated with your accident. Before you sign any medical release forms, show them to your attorney.  

When speaking with an insurance adjuster, it's best to be honest and brief. State the facts and nothing else. Do not agree to anything until you have consulted with a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will have your best interest in mind when negotiating with the insurance company.

To learn more about the DOs and DON'Ts of insurance claims, visit our article library. 

Obtaining the Help of a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer

Filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim as the result of an accident in Florida can be complex. In cases such as these, it's best that you have an experienced and trustworthy St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer on your side.

To consult with a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer about your Florida personal injury claim, contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947.