Are you involved in a Florida car accident lawsuit? Follow These Important Steps To Help Maximize Your Settlement:
Have you been involved in a car accident in Florida where you were not at fault? While you are managing the complicated and detailed legal process following the accident, it is important to consider several factors to be sure to maximize your settlement amount. Once you have invested your time, energy, and additional resources in to this case, you deserve the most desired outcome possible. Even with the assistance of your accident attorney, some simple steps may help you stay well ahead of the game in your settlement:
Be Honest:
Telling the truth is key from the very onset of an accident. Any sort of dishonesty may not only hurt your settlement, but it may cause you to lose the lawsuit. Your accident attorney should be present when providing any formal statements; regardless, the statements should always remain true.
Keep Confidential:
Social media is not your friend during times of a lawsuit. Any sort of communication through social media channels regarding your accident or lawsuit may potentially damage the outcome. As tempting as it may be to post photos or to discuss the accident or frustrations, it is a bad idea. It is easiest to steer clear of social media and make it a point to keep confidential and to not discuss the case at all before a settlement is reached. The risks are too high.
Know Your Statute of Limitations:
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Florida, it’s important to understand the Florida statute of limitations, there is a four-year window in which a lawsuit must be filed. This varies state to state, but timing is important to pay attention when involved in an accident. Often times, victims aren’t aware of injuries for quite some time until after the accident occurs.
Keep Tabs on Your Insurance Policy:
There are also time limits set by the insurance policies. Most policies require a signed proof of loss within a certain time frame. Typically, you must comply with this requirement unless you obtain a written waiver from your insurance company. Many policies allow you only one year from the date of loss in which to bring a legal action if your claim has not been adjusted fairly. If you surpass this time frame, you are at risk to lose the right to file a lawsuit.
Stay Organized:
If you have been in involved in an auto accident, you are well aware of the phone calls, emails, policies exchanged, police reports, medical billing, calls to physicians, and the list goes on. Document who you speak with, when you speak with them, and on what topic. Try to document all of this information carefully and keep it organized in one location so it may be referenced as needed throughout the settlement. Simple organization throughout the lawsuit process could end up benefitting your settlement dollars in the long run. Organization often pays off.
When in Doubt, Save It:
It is a good idea to keep all receipts of meals, lodging, and any purchases made in connection with time spent on the lawsuit or recovering from possible injuries from the time of the claimed event until the final settlement with your insurance company.
Review Losses Before Providing Acceptance to Insurance:
It is always best to consult an accident attorney, but it is also important to NOT automatically accept the estimate or appraisal of your losses given to you by the insurer. Insurance companies will often try to get you to accept their estimator’s or contractor’s repair or replacement estimates, which in many cases will be low.
Don’t Sign or Accept:
There are many legal documents and a lot of fine print in any lawsuit following an auto accident. It is always a good idea to avoid signing any document or check without consulting your accident attorney first. You don’t want your signature to stand in the way of your own settlement; a premature signature could cost you.
An accident attorney may help you along every step of the way through the settlement process and help to maximize your settlement. David & Philpot, P.L. has been representing accident victims for over 20 years. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients and are here to help you. Contact us today at 800.360.7015 for a free consultation.
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