Being injured in a Miami car accident is a horrific experience, but the aftermath can be even more overwhelming as you are trying to enforce your right to compensation. The process of filing an insurance claim is extremely complicated. To make the situation worse, you may be at a disadvantage if you are operating according to certain misconceptions about auto crashes. Though family members and friends mean well, they may not always provide accurate information if they do not have experience in the legal field.
A skilled Miami car accident attorney can eliminate some of the confusion and will fight to protect your interests in the insurance claims process. However, it may be helpful to debunk common myths about motor vehicle collisions.
Myth #1: Lawyers Cost Too Much. Auto crash lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if you recover compensation in your case. Instead of paying upfront or supplying a retainer, your attorney takes a percentage of the award you receive from an insurance claim or in court. According to the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct, a contingency fee arrangement must be reasonable and in writing.
Myth #2: I Can Trust the Insurance Company with My Claim. Insurers are in business for profit. Your claim is a threat to this objective, so, no matter how nice they seem, adjusters will do all they can to find reasons to deny or pay as little as possible. When you have an attorney to represent you, insurance companies know they cannot get away with tricks.
Myth #3: I Automatically Qualify for Compensation if I was Not at Fault. Even when it is clear that the other driver was negligent, a good amount of the claims process is dependent upon your efforts. You need to supply proof of your medical bills and lost wages, as well as evidence regarding your subjective losses like pain and suffering.
Myth #4: I Can Handle the Claims Process Myself. Though it seems as simple as filling out a few forms, filing an injury claim is very challenging. The insurer will fight your claim from every possible angle, so you put your rights at risk – and leave money on the table – if you do not have an attorney to advocate on your behalf.
Myth #5: The Police Report Will Pinpoint Fault. Officers who arrive after the accident will include basic information in their report, such as location, date, time, vehicles involved, and other details. Because they did not witness the crash, it is not likely that police will include any information regarding who was at fault. You will need other solid evidence to prove that the other driver was negligent.
Contact a Miami Car Accidents Lawyer for Help with Your Claim
While debunking these myths may be informative, there is a multitude of other legal issues that can affect your interests in an auto crash claim. Instead of putting your rights at risk, trust our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA to handle the process for you. To learn more about how we can help, please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach to set up a free case evaluation.