How the Property Damage Claims Process Works in Lakeland
You might be eligible to file two separate insurance claims to seek compensation for your property damage. The first claim would be with your own property insurance provider, and the second would be with the insurance company of the other driver involved in the accident.
At Dismuke Law, our lawyers will assist in gathering all the necessary documents to initiate your claims process efficiently, demonstrating why you’re entitled to the maximum compensation for your property damage. Our team will also handle communications with the claims adjusters, negotiating on your behalf to secure the payout you deserve.
Once the claim filing is underway, we will consult with you to review any communications from the insurance adjuster and decide the opportune moment to either settle the claim or proceed with litigation to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Claim With the Opposing Driver’s Insurance Company
It’s advisable to first file a claim with the insurance of the at-fault driver. At the accident scene, ensure you collect the other driver’s contact and insurance details. Use this information to file a claim with their insurance company to cover the damages from the accident.
When initiating this claim, inquire about the specific details the insurance adjuster needs to evaluate and approve your claim. Typically, you will need to provide information regarding the accident, such as witness statements and official police reports, details about the damage to your property, including repair shop quotes, and your personal contact information.
Insurance companies can be slow to accept liability and process property damage claims, often requiring an investigation that can take an extended period. This delay can be problematic, especially if you rely on your vehicle for daily commutes in the Lakeland area.
Ideally, the at-fault driver’s insurance will quickly acknowledge liability and settle the claims promptly. Once you agree to and sign their offer, they should issue a check to cover the damages and any additional expenses resulting from the accident.
However, insurance claims are not always straightforward. Insurance companies may take time to investigate thoroughly and review all pertinent information about the accident. After their review, you will receive a settlement offer from the insurance adjuster, which you can either accept or negotiate further.
Filing a Claim With Your Own Insurance Company
If you encounter delays with the at-fault driver’s insurance, consider filing a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurer may settle your claim faster, as fault determination is not required.
Contact your insurance provider to understand what information is needed to process your claim. Filing a claim on your own policy means you will need to pay the deductible, which may be costly. However, pursuing a claim through your own insurance might enable you to receive a settlement more swiftly.
Your insurer will also seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which should help mitigate any negative effects on your own insurance policy.
Out-of-Pocket Payments While Waiting for Claims
Many cannot afford the downtime associated with lengthy insurance reviews and settlements. If you’ve had to rent a car at your own expense while waiting for your claim to be processed, this constitutes a loss of use claim.
Having legal representation is essential in ensuring you are fairly compensated for all types of claims related to your property damage, including any out-of-pocket expenses for rental cars. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, the insurance company may compare the repair costs against the market value to make this determination.
Need Help Filing Your Accident Claim?
Correctly filing an insurance claim after a car accident, motorcycle accident, or any motor vehicle or recreational vehicle accident is incredibly important. Any mistakes or missed deadlines could end up costing you your rightful recovery. That being said, the process of filing a claim can be complicated; insurance adjusters arenot on your side, and you could find yourself dealing with various challenges that prevent you from recovering the compensation you are owed.
If you were involved in an auto accident, RV accident, boating accident, or any other type of collision, contact Dismuke Law, PLLC for help with your insurance claim. Our founding attorney, David Dismuke, is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar, making him an expert in this area. He and our entire team have helped countless individuals navigate the claims filing process and secure the rightful compensation they deserved.
Types of Insurance Claims We Handle
Dismuke Law, PLLC has helped clients file insurance claims against a variety of national insurance providers, including but not limited to:
Our team regularly assists clients with the following:
- Personal injury claims
- Wrongful death claims
- Property damage claims
Whether you were involved in a serious car accident that caused you to sustain a catastrophic bodily injury and totaled your vehicle, or you lost a loved one in a tragic boating accident, our Lakeland insurance claims attorneys are here to provide you with the guidance and advocacy you need. We aim to ensure that you do not make any unintentional mistakes during the filing process—such as failing to seek medical attention or missing the deadline to file—which could bar you from recovering.
Why Do You Need an Insurance Claims Attorney?
The first thing to remember after an accident is that, no matter how nice or helpful they may seem, the adjuster from the other party’s insurance company is not on your side. Insurance companies are businesses, and, like any other business, their primary goal is to maximize profits and limit payouts. To do this, they often dispute or even outright deny valid claims. If you speak to the liable party’s insurance adjuster—which we do NOT recommend—you could unknowingly say something that could later be used against you.
The second thing you need to know is that Florida accident law is very complex. Many factors are involved in proving liability after a motor vehicle accident and several things you should do to protect your right to file a claim. Never admit guilt or apologize after an accident, as this could be construed as you admitting fault. You must also obtain medical care for your injuries, not only for your safety and well-being but also as evidence of your injuries and damages.
Lastly, insurance companies tend to have somewhat different processes and policies when filing claims. An experienced attorney, like those at Dismuke Law, PLLC, will not only know these various procedures and how to navigate them but also the different laws that come into play based on the specific circumstances of your situation. An attorney can also serve as your advocate and stand up to deceitful insurance adjuster tactics to secure the full, fair compensation you are owed.
Contact Dismuke Law, PLLC for Help with Your Insurance Claim
Before speaking to the at-fault party’s insurance company, reach out to our Lakeland insurance claim lawyers for a free consultation. We can help you navigate the process of filing your claim and seeking maximum recovery for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses. We do not charge any attorneys’ fees unless/until we are successful in obtaining compensation on your behalf.
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