Pompano Beach, FL asked in Car Accidents and Insurance Bad Faith for Florida

Q: State Farm Insurance Company, my carrier, two days after I was hit by a person DUI of drugs who hit me with a 5,000 lb

truck causing my car to roll over three times and land on its driver side an inch away from a house after going through a line of trees and a fence said that I was eligible for "expedited settlement" even though I wasn't ready to settle and did not ask to settle. I already have had 4 back and neck surgeries prior to this accident so I was in tremendous pain, and still am. AFTER he made me an extremely low offer, he said that my rental car was limited to 7 days instead of the 20 days because he made me an offer. I pay for 20 days or up to $1,000. He did not disclose the terms of his "expedited settlement" and then they denied the entire claim and I am being charged for the entire rental. In my opinion that is "bad faith!" Is that considered bad faith? I needed that rental car for 20 days and I was in no way ready or able to go and find a new car. As a matter of fact, there is no way I can find a car to replace mine for the amount they offered me. Please advise.

2 Lawyer Answers
Mitchell Feldman
PREMIUM
Mitchell Feldman
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Tampa, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: The first thing I will say is of course you need counsel and her attorney and why if you are seriously injured he did not obtain representation is contrary to your best interest. Do not try to play lawyer with the insurance company or insurance companies and the other parties. If you were seriously injured in this accident as you describe then obtain a lawyer. I wouldn’t be worrying about bad faith first in for most and I’m not sure exactly what is going on from the facts you provided but certainly any insurance company who suspects significant liability would try to settle quickly

If you were hit by a truck there maybe liability for the owner of the truck especially if the driver was under the influence of alcohol and all of that has to be explored aside from just insurance companies. Simply put, obtain a lawyer and real and specific legal advice and let them or even myself review all of the records facts and information and provide you advice. Most personal injury lawyers including Myself will offer free consultation

Charles M. Baron agrees with this answer

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Why are you messing around seeking on-line advice on representing yourself for this very serious accident instead of going into an attorney's office for a free consultation? Sounds like you are dealing with some real jerk adjuster - all the more reason to retain counsel.

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