Fender benders are annoying but these minor car accidents aren’t a big deal. Everyone drives away after exchanging insurance information. Sometimes the collision is so minor you even skip getting the other driver’s information. However, this is usually a mistake.
Today we’re looking at the complexities of Florida minor car accidents. Your damages may be more severe than you initially think. Your minor car accident can even cause problems with your insurance provider if you decide to file a claim.
Your Injuries Can Be Severe
Minor vehicle collisions can happen just about anywhere. Parking lots, intersections, and even backing out of your driveway can cause a fender bender. Just because the collision is minor, you barely feel the impact, doesn’t mean you can’t end up with injuries. Some common injuries frequently reported in minor Florida car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Shoulder sprains and strains
- Concussions
- Knee and leg injuries
Did you know around 50% of minor car accident victims still complain of lingering symptoms from whiplash over a year after sustaining the injury? This just helps highlight how a fender bender can result in serious injuries.
Insurance Companies Often Deny Minor Vehicle Accident Claims
Minor car accidents and insurance companies don’t exactly go hand-in-hand. Even though you may think insurance providers prefer paying out lower-value accident claims, this isn’t exactly the case. Insurance companies tend to distrust accident claims for fender benders for a few reasons.
Vehicle Damages is Minor
Vehicle damage isn’t always obvious after a fender bender. When the insurance agent comes out to assess the damage, there’s often nothing to see. Since the damage isn’t visible, convincing the insurance company to pay your claim can be tough. This is often true even when you have supporting documentation from a certified auto mechanic.
Unfortunately, this lack of vehicle damage can also make it tough to convince the insurance company you suffered any injuries. Insurance companies tend to believe if there isn’t noticeable car damage, you don’t have any injuries.
Mistakenly Believe You Have Pre-Existing Conditions
A helpful little law exists that should prevent any issues with pre-existing conditions from popping up in personal injury accident claims. Known as the eggshell skull rule, the doctrine makes defendants, including insurance companies, responsible for any complications that may pop up from a pre-existing condition after an accident.
So, if you have brittle bone syndrome and your minor fender bender results in a broken leg, the insurance company can’t deny your claim based on your pre-existing condition. However, this doesn’t mean they’re probably not going to try. After all, how can a simple tap on a car bumper cause a serious injury like a broken bone?
Fraud is a Constant Concern
Insurance companies are always on the lookout for fraud. They even have entire departments devoted to rooting out suspected fraudulent claims. Something that tends to trigger fraud warnings are claims for minor fender benders. Insurance adjusters are almost always suspicious you’re trying to pad your claim.
You should expect to answer plenty of questions about your claim and the accident. Even then, there’s no guarantee your accident claim is going to sail smoothly through the legal process. Delays are common in minor car accident claims. Yep, this can drag out the time it takes to receive a settlement check.
Florida’s Insurance Laws Can Impact a Minor Vehicle Accident Claim
Every state has at least one insurance law telling you how much coverage you’re required to carry. Some states like Florida take it a bit further. The Sunshine State follows two additional insurance laws, and they can impact your minor car accident claim.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state and this rule can work in your favor. You’re filing your claim with your insurance provider and this can help simplify the process. You already have a relationship with your insurance provider, so issues with things like suspected fraud may not come up.
The other insurance law in the Sunshine State may have a greater impact on your fender bender accident claim. We’re talking about comparative negligence, and it can be confusing. Comparative negligence can also reduce your potential settlement amount. The rule allows for more than one driver to be responsible for causing the fender bender.
Everyone’s assessed a percentage of fault. If you’re assessed blame, your compensation amount is reduced by the same percentage. Since this is a claim for a minor car collision, comparative negligence may drop your settlement down to next to nothing.
Filing a claim for a minor car accident can be more complicated than you think. Partnering with a Florida accident attorney can help ensure the process goes smoothly, regardless of what the insurance company tries to do.
