Fort Lauderdale Car Insurance Lawyers
Auto Insurance Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale
Each year, Americans spend thousands on maintaining an auto insurance policy. The expectation is that if and when they have an accident, they will be covered by a policy in good faith. On paper, this works great—but the truth is, insurance carriers are often reluctant to help their clients as much as they should. If you were involved in an accident and your insurer failed to hold up their end of the bargain, call the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. for a free consultation. We can help you learn more about your rights and how to proceed with your case.
Get started by calling a Fort Lauderdale auto insurance claim lawyer today. Dial 800-555-4011 orcontact our firm onlinefor a free consultation.
Insurance Laws in Florida
- All drivers in Florida must have a personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy in the amount of at least $10,000 for themselves. This insurance is designed to cover the damages no matter which driver is at fault. Because PIP insurance can cost the carrier more, they will sometimes go to great lengths to deny your claim and insist they cannot be required to cover the damages. You should call a Fort Lauderdale auto insurance attorney if:
- Your insurer refuses to investigate your claim in a timely manner
- Your claim was denied on the basis of fraud
- You received an inadequate amount to cover your needs
The laws surrounding these insurance policies are complex. You need an attorney who has experience fighting insurance companies and can create a compelling legal strategy on your behalf. The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. has extensive experience working to help our clients demonstrate the need for their insurance carrier to do more.
Auto Insurance Claim FAQs
Answer: If your auto insurance claim is denied, the best course of action you can take is to seek out legal counsel. A skilled auto insurance attorney with an advanced understanding of insurance laws can give you an edge in negotiation, ensuring that your rights are respected in any claim.
Answer: Insurance companies may try to "trap" you by offering a lowball settlement amount, asking for access to your medical records, or requesting your testimony. Because it is in an insurance company’s financial interests to pay out as little as possible, insurance adjusters will try to get you to harm your case for a fair settlement. An auto insurance attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls by representing you in negotiations.
Answer: Often, insurance companies will assert that your medical provider supplied care that was not truly necessary for your health after an auto accident. You may also be denied if the claim was not filed before a certain date or if the insurance company suspects fraud.
Answer: The exact amount of time to make an appeal on a denied claim will vary from carrier to carrier, but in any case, you should act quickly with the aid of a legal professional. If you wait too long, you may lose your ability to appeal the denial.
Answer: You can file a lawsuit against your insurance company in Florida for conduct constituting bad faith, which could include unfairly dismissing your claim without investigating, misrepresenting facts to pay you a lower settlement than what you are owed, or intentionally stalling or delaying payments.
Answer: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory for all drivers, covering up to $10,000 in bodily damage for yourself, and fault has no bearing on PIP coverage. Because it only covers up to 80% of your medical costs, you will have to work with the insurance company providing coverage for the driver who was at fault to cover the rest of your damages.
Answer: Your auto insurance company has to acknowledge your claim within 14 days of filing, and after that point, the company has 90 days to make a final judgment to approve or deny your claim. If you believe your claim is being unreasonably delayed, you should get in contact with an auto insurance lawyer who can work to ensure that your claim will be processed quickly and correctly.
Answer: In Florida, the compensation you can receive through an auto insurance claim can include medical bills, lost wages, and in more serious cases, non-economic damages like your pain and suffering.
Answer: Bad faith insurance refers to an insurance company failing to fulfill its duties through dishonest or deceptive practices. This may include denying a claim without a valid reason, refusing to provide full coverage, or delaying a claim unreasonably. An auto insurance lawyer can prove these allegations in court by showing the insurance company’s communications or questioning the long wait times between responses if the insurance company was not in regular communication with the claimant.
What to Do When a Claim Is Denied
Along with taking a long time to respond to your claim—sometimes, they won't respond until well after you have received treatment for your injuries—insurance carriers can argue that your healthcare provider acted unlawfully. Medical costs are expensive, but some insurance carriers will fight your coverage claims by insisting you received unnecessary medical treatment. Having a Fort Lauderdale auto insurance lawyer on your side can help you prepare for these objections before they arise, ensuring you will be prepared and can face the dispute with confidence. In any case, if your auto insurance claim is denied, it is extremely important that you reach out to an attorney who can help you navigate the process of appealing this decision. There are many complex steps involved in filing an appeal, but an attorney can help you ensure that you do not make any mistakes that could ultimately end up costing you.