McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A. - Attorneys At Law

Auto Accident Insurance Claims: Car Accident Lawyer in Orlando, Central Florida

All too often, auto accident victims are left bearing financial liability for a collision that was not their fault. At the Law Office of McElyea, Santos & Barnard, our auto accident attorneys protect the rights of victims and fight to obtain fair compensation. We believe that victims should never be responsible for the cost of an accident caused by another's negligence.

Each year, thousands of car and auto accident victims are denied the full compensation they deserve. According to standard practice, insurance companies initially offer victims small settlements. As a result, those who choose to go it alone are often left bearing most of the financial burden of accidents that were not their fault. If you have been involved in an auto accident, don't "go it alone." Put an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. The attorneys at our Orlando, Central Florida practice will fight on your behalf for the compensation to which you are entitled. To schedule a free consultation, contact McElyea, Santos & Barnard today.

Dos

When dealing with an insurance company after a serious car, truck, or motorcycle accident, victims should follow the following general guidelines:

  1. Contact your insurance company as soon after the accident or injury as possible. Unless you have serious injuries, your insurance agent is the first person to call in the event of a car accident.
  2. Take time to read and understand your auto insurance policy and understand it.
  3. Gather as many details about the accident as possible. Document how the accident occurred, the names and contact information of any witnesses, and the insurance information of the other driver(s). If possible, take pictures.
  4. Keep a written account of any conversations and dealings with the insurance officers, agents, and any other people involved in the claims process.
  5. Save receipts and bills for all expenses relating to your accident. These include bills for repair work on the damaged vehicle, alternative travel expenses, and medical costs.
  6. Be honest with the insurance investigators so that your car accident claim is not denied on grounds of fraudulence.
  7. Determine whether you have more than one insurance policy that provides coverage for your accident or injury. Many people have multiple insurance policies under which they may be able to file valid insurance claims.
  8. Pay attention to any time limits on your insurance claim. Insurance companies require you to file a claim within a specific period after an accident or injury.

Contact a car accident lawyer at the Orlando,Central Florida–area Law Office of McElyea, Santos & Barnard for a consultation. We will protect your interests during the insurance claim process and help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries.

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Don’ts

You should avoid doing the following when dealing with an insurance company after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident:

  1. Do not admit to having been at fault in any way. Stick to the facts without expressing any opinion. It is not your job to ascertain liability.
  2. Do not give anything in writing to any insurance officers, whether your own or the other party’s, if you do not understand any part of your policy or claim.
  3. Do not take everything that your insurance agent tells you as the last word, especially regarding the value of your claim or a settlement. Insurance companies will try to minimize the return on your claim. Rather than simply accepting their estimates, contact a lawyer.
  4. Do not sign a release or waiver of any kind. If you are not sure about what you are being asked to sign, consult an attorney for help.
  5. Do not accept any settlement as a full and final payment unless you are certain that it represents fair compensation for your losses.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you through this complicated process. At our Orlando, Central Florida offices, we provide victims throughout the state with the highest standard of legal representation. Schedule a consultation today.

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Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident lawyer from the Law Office of McElyea, Santos & Barnard can protect your rights during the claims process. With your best interests in mind, we can help you maximize the return on your claim. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for victims statewide. If you have been injured by the negligent and reckless actions of another driver, contact an aggressive car accident lawyer today. Serving Orlando and the greater Central Florida area, our attorneys are ready to put their experience and legal skill to work for you.

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Contact a car accident lawyer at our Orlando, Central Florida firm to schedule a free consultation.






McElyea, Santos & Barnard P. A.

1390 Hope Road, Suite 100
Maitland, Florida 32751
407-644-3339