How to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Florida Truck Accident | Hollywood, FL Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty about your future. If you were injured in a Hollywood, FL truck accident, you will likely have to deal with insurance companies—both your own and the trucking company’s insurer. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line, not to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have successfully negotiated against major insurance companies and secured millions for our clients in truck accident cases. If you’ve been in a truck crash, here’s what you need to know about handling insurance companies and protecting your rights.

Understanding Insurance Companies After a Truck Accident

Truck accident claims are not the same as car accident claims. In most truck crashes, multiple insurance policies may be involved, including:

• The truck driver’s insurance (especially if they are an independent contractor).
• The trucking company’s insurance
• A third-party company’s insurance (if the truck was carrying cargo owned by another company).
• Truck Broker Dealer Insurance 
• Truck and trailer owners’ insurance policies
• Your own auto insurance (if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in Florida).

Since Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, your PIP insurance may cover some of your initial medical expenses and lost wages. However, if you suffered severe injuries, you will likely need to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance to recover full compensation.

Steps to Take When Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Truck Accident in Hollywood, FL

1. Report the Accident, But Be Careful With Your Statements

You are required to notify your own insurance company about the accident, but it is important to be cautious about what you say. Stick to basic facts, such as:

• The time and location of the accident
• The vehicles involved
• Whether medical treatment was received

Avoid making statements about fault or minimizing your injuries. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or whiplash, may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term consequences.

2. Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters may contact you and request a recorded statement about the accident. It is in your best interest to decline this request. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used against you to deny or reduce your claim.

If the trucking company’s insurer calls you, a simple response is:
“I am not prepared to give a statement at this time. My attorney will handle all communications.”

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we manage all communications with insurance companies on behalf of our clients to prevent misinterpretation of their statements.

3. Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers that are far below what you are entitled to receive. These offers are designed to close your claim before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.

A fair settlement should cover:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disabilities or impairments

Before accepting any settlement, it is essential to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney who can evaluate whether the offer is sufficient for your needs.

4. Gather and Preserve Evidence

Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny liability or minimize your claim. To strengthen your case, you should collect as much evidence as possible, including:

• Accident reports from law enforcement
• Black box data from the truck, which may contain evidence of speeding or driver fatigue
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Expert witness testimony, if needed

A strong case backed by solid evidence makes it much more difficult for insurance companies to dispute your claim. The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner they can assist you with gathering the evidence needed to support your claim

How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Claim

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Florida Statutes Section 768.81, meaning that:

• If you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you are barred from recovering damages from the other party.

Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to the victim to reduce their payout. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can help counter these tactics and protect your right to full compensation.

What to Do If a Truck Accident Results in a Fatality

Losing a loved one in a Hollywood truck accident is a devastating experience that leaves families grieving while also facing financial and legal challenges. If a truck accident results in death, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, certain family members, including spouses, children, and parents of the deceased, can seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Pain and suffering endured by surviving family members

Truck accident fatalities often occur due to negligent truck drivers, trucking company failures, or mechanical defects. Our Hollywood wrongful death attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability, gather critical evidence, and hold responsible parties accountable.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the immense emotional toll of losing a loved one unexpectedly. We provide compassionate legal guidance while aggressively pursuing justice for your family.

If you have lost a loved one in a Hollywood truck accident, contact us for a free consultation at (305) 638-4143 or complete our online form. We will fight to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves while you focus on healing.

Why You Need a Hollywood, FL Truck Accident Lawyer

Navigating a truck accident claim can be complex, especially when dealing with large trucking companies and their insurance providers, who often try to minimize or deny legitimate claims. When you are focused on recovering from serious injuries or coping with the loss of a loved one, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases, giving our clients the dedicated representation they deserve. Our firm has a proven track record of securing full and fair compensation for truck accident victims throughout Hollywood, FL, and across Florida.

Why Choose Flanagan & Bodenheimer for Your Truck Accident Case?

• Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury and Wrongful Death – Unlike large firms that take on a variety of legal matters, we only handle serious injury and wrongful death cases, allowing us to bring an unmatched level of expertise to your case.
• Small Caseload, Personalized Attention – We intentionally limit the number of cases we take to ensure that every client receives individualized care, direct access to their attorney, and aggressive advocacy tailored to their specific situation.
• Millions Recovered for Clients – We have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims and their families, even in cases other firms turned away.
• Thorough Investigations and Expert Resources – We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and industry experts to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
• Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies – Trucking companies and insurers often try to pressure victims into accepting lowball settlements. We have the experience and negotiation skills to fight for the compensation you truly deserve.
• Trial-Ready Representation – While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial and will not hesitate to litigate if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
• No Upfront Fees – You Don’t Pay Unless We Win – We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Injured in a Truck Accident in Hollywood, FL? Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Hollywood truck accident, do not face trucking companies and insurance adjusters alone. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. Call (305) 638-4143 or fill out our online form for a free consultation today.

We proudly serve clients in Hollywood, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout Florida. For your convenience, we offer virtual consultations for those unable to visit our office in person. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.