Insurance Claim FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Insurance Claims & Disputes

Handling insurance claims of any type can be difficult and frustrating. Many people find that insurers are often more concerned with their bottom line than providing a fair estimate for the losses endured. In an effort to help people understand the insurance claims process, an Orlando insurance law firm has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about insurance claims.

What Do I Do When I Have An Insurance Claim?

The first thing that you must do is contact the insurance company that is responsible for the event. You will need to provide information such as when and where the accident happened and any injuries or damages received. You should keep this information very limited until you speak to an insurance lawyer in Orlando, FL, about your case. Everything you tell the insurer will be used to “lower the value” of your claim.

Should I Accept A Settlement From The Insurance Company?

This is up to you. However, insurance companies often make a quick settlement offer so they can save money. Many times the victims of the event do not even know all the damages they have suffered when the first settlement offer is made. Speak with an insurance lawyer in Orlando, FL, before you make a final decision to ensure that the settlement covers all of your losses.

How Do I Handle The Insurance Adjuster?

You are encouraged to tell the adjuster the truth about all aspects of the event, but you should never admit to any fault, even partially. You are encouraged to speak with an insurance dispute attorney before speaking to the adjuster — which is your right as a victim. This ensures that everything that you say is used to your benefit and not against your case.

If Asked, Should I Release My Medical Records To The Other Party's Insurance Adjuster?

The insurance company is only entitled to medical records surrounding the event at hand — nothing else. If you are requested to provide this information, protect your rights and speak to an Orlando insurance law firm right away.

What If I Am Contacted By The Insurance Company Or Another Investigator?

You are not required to answer questions immediately. Simply request an appointment to answer their questions at a later date so that you can speak to your attorney before speaking to them. They may not like this, but they cannot deny this request.

Is It Better To File A Lawsuit Or Just Allow The Insurance Company To Handle Everything?

Sadly, in most cases, it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit for your claim. Insurance adjusters often make bad faith estimates and “forget” many benefits that victims are entitled to under the law.

What Is Bad Faith Insurance?

Bad faith is a legal term used to describe when an insurance company does not make a fair and reasonable offer on a claim based on their own policy guidelines. They will make very low offers, forget to include types of compensation, or try tactics that will cause the claim to be considerably lower than what is honest and fair. A bad faith insurance lawyer generally needs to step in and force the insurance company to honor the terms of their policy and state law.

Can I Sue Someone For Bad Faith?

Your bad faith insurance lawyer will recommend that you sue the insurance company if they cannot convince the insurer to adhere to the terms of their policy or obey state laws regarding compensation.

Do Claims Have A Statute Of Limitations

Depending on the type of claim you are making, you can have anywhere from six months to 2 years to file a claim in Florida. However, it is always recommended to act on a claim as soon as possible and speak to an insurance dispute attorney. This ensures that evidence is preserved and that memories are clear of what took place and caused the event.