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As a car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL from Jeff Murphy Law may tell you, not all insurance companies have the best interest of car accident victims after a serious crash. While most people hope that their car insurance agent will be empathetic and supportive, they must also remember that this person works with a for-profit company. Your agent could be the nicest and most polite person in the world, but they are likely still operating with the mindset to save the company as much money as possible.
The lawyers at Jeff Murphy Law understand the severity of the damages, losses, and injury that car accident victims can incur due to a car accident. What we are here to tell you is that you may be entitled to compensation from the person at-fault, and that during this time you must watch out for those who may try to take advantage. We encourage you to consult with a Tampa, FL car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.
In the meantime, it is important to us that clients understand the things an insurance company probably doesn’t want them to know when handling the car accident:
You May Be Offered a Less Than Fair Settlement
In the midst of financial loss due to paying for medical bills, getting your vehicle repaired or replaced, and missing work to recover, any amount offered to you by an insurance company may be difficult to decline. However, you may have the right to receive more money that they are telling you about under the terms of your insurance policy. If you get a second opinion from a car accident lawyer in FL, we take evaluate your case to see what would be a fair settlement.
You Can Fight a Claim Denial
If your car insurance denies your car accident claim, you do not have to accept defeat. In fact, when entering a contract between yourself and the car insurance company, it necessitates that the company acts in good faith. So, if your provider denies your claim wrongfully or doesn’t pay out for the compensation you are entitled to receive, they may be acting in bad faith — thus violating the contract. If your car accident claim was denied, please talk with a car accident lawyer in Tampa right away for strategies to fight back.
You Do Not Have to Speak with an Insurance Adjuster
In the days and weeks after a car accident, chances are that you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster. This person probably already knows every detail about the accident, but is calling as a way to see what other information that they weren’t notified about and even potentially use this against you. A Tampa car accident lawyer in Florida recommends speaking with us first before answering any questions or offering a statement to an insurance adjuster.
Please call us without a second thought if you were the victim in a serious car wreck. We are here to protect you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL at Jeff Murphy Law.
Can I Sue the Driver Who Hit My Car?
Assistance in successfully negotiating with insurance providers isn’t the only reason to connect with an experienced car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL. Under certain circumstances, you may have strong grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against another driver involved in your collision and/or other parties who may have contributed to the harm you have suffered. It isn’t always easy to tell at first glance whether it’s in your best interests to file a lawsuit. Thankfully, the experienced Florida legal team at Jeff Murphy law has significant experience investigating and litigating vehicle accident claims. After learning more about the details of your specific crash, we’ll be able to clarify your options. It will then be up to you to decide whether you’d like to move forward with a lawsuit or not, informed by the conclusions we’ve drawn from our investigation into your situation.
What Must Be Proven in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
State law and circumstance influence the ways in which every car accident case plays out. With that said, there are a few general points that must be proven in order for a personal injury case (car accident or otherwise) to proceed successfully. Successful lawsuits are, most often, settled before the trial phase. However, each case must be constructed with these points in mind, in the event that the case progresses to trial. Additionally, the stronger the case is on the merits, the more likely that it is likely to be settled favorably in the event that trial can be avoided.
First, it must be proven that the party (or parties) who harmed you owed you what is referred to as a “legal duty of care.” In car accident cases, that legal duty of care is usually defined as the legal responsibility to drive safely. However, if you’re suing an auto manufacturer or a municipality, that legal duty of care will obviously be tailored to the legal relationship you have with that entity.
Second, it must be proven that the party who harmed you breached their duty of care. For example, if another motorist owed you a legal duty of care to drive safely but chose to operate their car while they were intoxicated – in violation of the law and principles of road safety – they have breached that duty to you and others on the road.
Third, it must be proven that you were harmed as a direct result of that breach. In the