If you have been injured in an accident in Florida, trying to collect from the other party’s insurer can be an extremely frustrating process. Insurance companies are infamous for being slow and obtuse in their handling of personal injury claims. The specific procedures vary from company to company, but most insurance companies follow the same basic pattern when processing personal injury claims.

Unless you have dealt previously with the other party’s insurance company, the claims process will begin with the carrier creating a file on you. This file is assigned to an adjuster who will immediately contact you.

Your Florida personal injury lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf; at the same time, the insurance company will research your case, trying to determine if there is any evidence that the insured was not fully at fault for your injuries. The claims adjuster will perform this research using many of the same methods employed by your attorney, including going over police reports, talking to witnesses, and having photographs taken of the scene of the accident.

The insurance carrier will also attempt to get a hold of your medical records. The adjuster will use these records to evaluate the extent of your injuries and determine whether or not the amount of money you are asking for to cover your medical bills is consistent with the injury you have. The adjuster will also evaluate other costs they may have to pay, such as lost wages.

There are many pitfalls to dealing with the insurance company, and to get the settlement you deserve you need an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer on your side. For a free initial consultation with knowledgeable Florida personal injury lawyer John Fagan, simply fill out the form on this page.