Five Strategies For Maximizing Your Bradenton Car Accident Insurance Claim
Serious car accident injuries in Bradenton can happen due to the negligence of other drivers. You may be entitled to compensation through the insurance companies involved, but you only have one chance to get what you are entitled to in a settlement. To get the maximum amount you need to recover from insurers, our Bradenton car accident lawyer recommends the following six strategies.
- Gather evidence at the scene.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), close to 6,000 car accidents happen in Manatee County each year. If you are involved in a car accident in Bradenton, report it to the police immediately. Make sure an accident report is completed, and get the names, insurance numbers, and contact information for all drivers involved. Get contact information for any witnesses, and if possible, take photos or videos of the damages you suffer.
- Avoid speculating on the cause or making incriminating statements.
Provide only the basic facts about what happened in reports and avoid speculating with the other driver or witnesses involved about what may have caused your crash. These statements and those you make afterward to insurers can be used to dispute your rights to compensation.
- Get medical care for your injuries and a documented diagnosis.
The Florida Department of Health warns that car accidents are a leading cause of death and disability throughout the state. Always seek medical care immediately after a crash, regardless of the severity of your injuries. This can be life-threatening, as symptoms of serious conditions can take hours, days, or even weeks to fully appear. Get a thorough diagnosis from your doctor and make sure your injuries are recorded as being car accident-related.
- Refuse to give a recorded statement to insurers.
Insurance can help cover the cost of car accident injuries in Bradenton. However, insurance companies look for reasons to deny or dispute your claim. Avoid giving any reported statements. In the aftermath of the accident and while working with your lawyer to negotiate a settlement, avoid posting about \on social media. This is one of the first places insurers typically look for reasons to deny or downplay your claim.
- Be wary of any initial settlement offers.
Insurers may surprise you with an immediate settlement offer. Unfortunately, this is likely to be less than what you are entitled to. It takes time to determine current costs and any future losses likely to result from your injuries.
Request A Consultation With Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accidents in Bradenton can leave you suffering serious personal injuries that impact you for years into the future, but you have only one chance to get compensation in a claim. At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to. To request a consultation with our Bradenton car accident lawyer, call or contact our office online today.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsDashboards/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=Death.Dataviewer&cid=0110