Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Florida Truck Accident

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Florida, you might feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. It is normal to be concerned about how your life and finances will be affected, especially as you deal with the aftermath of a serious accident. You are not alone in this journey, and we understand the challenges you are facing. Navigating the insurance claims process can be complicated, particularly after a truck accident, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for support. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Serrano Law, we are here to help you through every step of the way, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.

The following sections will guide you through the process of dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident in Florida. You will learn what to expect, how to handle your case, and why it’s important to have the right legal help on your side.

Understanding the Role of Insurance Companies After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, your first interaction will likely be with an insurance company. However, it’s important to realize that the main goal of the insurance company is to protect its own interests and minimize the amount of money they have to pay out. Insurance companies are not always as helpful as they may seem, and they often use tactics that are designed to pay you less than you deserve.

There are many types of insurance involved in a truck accident claim. The truck driver’s personal insurance, the trucking company’s insurance, and even third-party liability insurance may be involved. All of these companies are looking to limit their financial exposure and may try to place the blame on you or downplay the severity of your injuries.

This is why having a clear understanding of how the claims process works is so important. While it might seem overwhelming, knowing the steps involved can help you make informed decisions about your case and ensure that you don’t get taken advantage of by the insurance companies.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

What to Expect from Insurance Companies in a Truck Accident Claim

When you file an insurance claim after a truck accident, there are several steps involved. The first step is reporting the accident to your insurance company, which will begin the claims process. You will be asked to provide details about the accident, including the circumstances, the damages, and the injuries you sustained. The insurance company will then assess the situation and begin its investigation.

You may also have to speak with an adjuster from the insurance company. These adjusters are trained to evaluate claims and determine how much compensation you are entitled to. They may ask you for a recorded statement or request access to your medical records to assess the extent of your injuries.

While this process might seem simple, insurance companies often try to minimize the payout by finding reasons to deny or reduce your claim. They may argue that the accident wasn’t entirely your fault, or they might suggest that your injuries were not as severe as you claim. Insurance companies may also try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that is much lower than what you deserve.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

How to Protect Your Rights and Maximize Your Compensation

It’s crucial to be cautious when dealing with insurance companies, especially in truck accident cases where the stakes are high. The following steps can help protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.

First, always make sure to gather as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damages to your vehicle, the truck, and any visible injuries you have. If possible, collect the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. This evidence will be invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies.

Second, avoid giving recorded statements or agreeing to settlements without consulting with a lawyer. Insurance companies may try to use your words against you, and accepting a settlement too quickly may result in a payout that does not fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you understand the true value of your claim and guide you through the negotiation process.

Finally, keep track of all your medical treatments, bills, and expenses related to the accident. The cost of medical care and rehabilitation can add up quickly, and the insurance company will need proof of your losses to assess the amount of compensation you deserve. Be sure to keep copies of all bills, receipts, and medical reports.

Why You Need a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer

Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be a complicated and stressful process, which is why it’s often best to have an experienced lawyer by your side. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the claims process, deal with the insurance companies, and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.

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Truck accidents are different from other types of accidents because they often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. These cases can be complex, and the evidence required to prove fault and liability can be difficult to gather. A lawyer can help you identify all potential sources of compensation and ensure that you are pursuing all avenues to get the best possible outcome for your case.

Furthermore, a lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting a low offer, but a lawyer can advocate for your interests and fight for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court and seek a judgment in your favor.

At Serrano Law, we understand that the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of trying to get back to your normal life. We are here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

View More Results

We are committed to helping you navigate the complex world of insurance claims and trucking accident litigation. Our team has the experience and knowledge necessary to handle even the most challenging cases, and we are dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome for each of our clients.

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Florida, don’t wait to take action. Contact Serrano Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you secure a successful result in your case. Let us handle the complexities of dealing with insurance companies so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

To learn more about this subject click here: Steps to Preserve Your Rights and Build a Strong Case After a Florida Truck Accident