For many car accident insurance claims, you should be able to go through the filing process without a problem, even if you do not consult with or hire a car insurance attorney, as long as the car insurance company acts in good faith.
However, if you sustained injuries or someone close to you died as a result of an accident, your best course of action is to find an attorney you can trust to get you the justice you deserve.
Here are four other reasons you should hire an attorney to take care of your claim.
Your Policy Limits Might Not Be Enough to Cover Your Injuries
In Florida, we operate as a no-fault insurance state, which means that each driver first must file a claim with their own insurance. While being a no-fault state makes accidents that do not result in injury or significant damage easier to handle, it also has drawbacks.
For instance, when the cost of damages exceeds your insurance policy’s limits, things can get complicated. With multiple insurance policies in play and several parties trying to protect their interests, it is best to let a professional who knows how to navigate such a complex situation handle it.
Investigation Is Not for Amateurs
When you file a claim or a lawsuit against your insurance or another driver’s insurance, you can bet that they are going to investigate it with the intent of finding something to discount your claim.
As someone who has probably never investigated anything professionally, your case will benefit from the help of someone who does it for a living. Even if your career involves this skill, you will need someone who is well versed in the law.
Negotiation Takes Skill and Practice
One tactic that insurance companies often use to avoid paying out the full cost of a claim is to make a low offer early in the hopes that you will accept it without question. In reality, you should see this initial offer as a starting place.
Having a car insurance attorney to negotiate on your behalf could end up getting you the maximum payout, sometimes without even setting foot in a courtroom.
If Your Case Needs to Be Litigated, You Will Need a Car Insurance Attorney
Most car insurance lawsuits are settled out of court, but some still need to be presented to the court. It is much easier to retain the services of an attorney from the beginning of your case than to try to find one at the last minute. If you have been working together during the investigation and negotiation phases, your attorney will already know your case intimately, giving you the best chance in front of a judge.
Do not wait to build a relationship with the person who is going to represent you in court. The sooner you start working together, the better the argument for your case will perform.
If you have any questions about whether you are getting the most from your car insurance claim, get in touch with us today.