Insurance salespeople act like your newfound best friends when selling you a policy, but what happens when you need to file a claim? Your insurance adjuster typically isn’t as eager to please. This is because their bottom line is profit, and denying your claim or offering you far less than you are entitled to is in their best interest. You need someone on your side, keeping your best interests in mind. At Osborne & Francis, that is exactly what our attorneys do. And, with more than 50 years of combined experience fighting for clients, we are immensely qualified to assist you in prevailing in any insurance dispute. Whether helping to resolve a claim against your own insurance carrier, or fighting for rightful compensation from the company providing coverage to someone whose negligent actions have caused you harm, our lawyers are well-equipped to skillfully advocate for you.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Unfortunately, any insurance claim can be disputed, despite what may have initially appeared to be an obvious outcome in your favor. In addition to coverage for potential accidents and mishaps that are common throughout the U.S., in Florida, many residents may also find themselves seeking recovery for damages due to sinkholes and hurricane winds. Following are some common insurance claims that many policyholders may find themselves fighting to assert:
Our insurance dispute attorneys skillfully negotiate these claims and zealously advocate for you to obtain a successful resolution.
An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. Your insurance company has an obligation to act in good faith when you file a claim. This means they shouldn’t be looking for unscrupulous ways to escape their contractual responsibility. When your insurance carrier does so, this is considered bad faith, and you can do something about these unacceptable business practices. Here are some of the things your insurance carrier might do that may constitute bad faith:
When an insurance company fails to act in good faith, there are many ways our legal team can make them pay, from added interest on your money to punitive damages that go beyond compensation for your losses.
Insurance is meant to protect you if the worst happens. You don’t deserve to suffer injury, loss or damages only to be further victimized by the insurance company who should be there for you when you need them most. Osborne & Francis Law Firm, PLLC understands this principle, and we are determined to get you the insurance coverage and claim payments you deserve. If you’ve been treated unfairly by an insurance company and are struggling to get what you were promised, call us at (561) 293-2600 or complete a contact form online today. Or visit our offices in Orlando or Boca Raton for a free consultation.