After a car accident in Florida, it is important that you begin the claims process early. Not only are you required to file your claim within four years’ time (lest you breach the statute of limitations and be barred from recovering damages entirely), but starting the process as soon as possible also helps to ensure evidence necessary to your case is preserved, and that you are able to recover a settlement as quickly as possible. At the law offices of Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we can help you to file your claim and negotiate your settlement. In the meantime, here is what you need to know regarding how to file a car accident claim in Miami–
Contact Your Insurance Company
The first step in filing a car accident claim in Miami is to inform your insurance company of the accident. You should do this as soon as possible after your crash, preferably the same day that the accident happens. You should do this regardless of whether or not you were at fault for the accident, and be sure to ask the insurance company what information and forms you will need moving forward.
Be Ready to Cooperate
When you first place a call to your insurance company to report your accident and ask what to do, your insurance company will provide you with information regarding how to proceed. It is important that you cooperate with your insurance company during its investigation, and that you supply your insurance company with the information it needs. This does not mean that you have to give a recorded statement without an attorney’s advice, or sign something handed to you by your insurer without having an attorney review it first.
Get Your Car Repaired and Seek Treatment for Your Injuries
If you haven’t already sought treatment for your injuries, you need to do so now (ideally, this would be the first thing that you do). You will also need to get your car repaired. Ask your insurance company what their policy is for auto body repairs; they may make a suggestion of where to go, or have a limit on how much they will pay. Find out exactly how much auto repairs will cost you–and when they will be ready–before signing off on the process.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
While the job of the insurance adjuster assigned to your case is to investigate your accident, determine fault, and offer you a settlement amount that is consistent with what your case is worth, do not be surprised if it doesn’t happen exactly like this. If you are dissatisfied with an insurance settlement offer, or if you are found to be at fault for an accident that you do not believe you caused, a car accident lawyer can help you to understand your options. An attorney can also gather evidence on your behalf to prove the fault of the other party, and aggressively negotiate a settlement offer.
At the law offices of Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our dedicated Miami car accident attorneys are ready to help you. If you are involved in a crash, be sure to report it to your insurance company. Then, give our attorneys a call to learn more about maximizing your settlement amount.