Personal Injury FAQs

After an accident, an insurance company may contact you quickly to ask questions or request information. In fact, they often reach out very quickly.

While it is important to report an accident as required, you should keep in mind that making statements to the insurance company before you understand your rights can be catastrophic. Our advice? Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you possibly can.

Yes, insurance adjusters are trained to gather information, but their primary responsibility is to protect the insurance company’s interests. They want to settle a claim as quickly as possible for as little as possible. When you contact us, the first thing we will do is explain your rights. Our clients do not communicate with insurance companies directly; it is something we immediately assume responsibility for. This can help you avoid mistakes that can negatively affect your claims.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A, we have been handling insurance companies for more than 30 years. We know their tactics. You do not have to become an expert at dealing with insurance companies – let us handle this and all facets of your personal injury case as your experienced personal injury advocates.

After an accident, an insurance adjuster may contact you quickly. They may ask questions about what happened, your injuries, your medical treatment, or whether you would like to resolve the claim.

It is important to remember that an insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Their role is to investigate the claim and make decisions that protect the company’s interests.

This does not mean every adjuster is acting unfairly. However, it does mean you should be thoughtful about what information you provide and avoid making statements before you understand your rights.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we often speak with insurance companies on behalf of our clients so they can focus on healing instead of navigating complicated claim discussions while injured.

Insurance companies often begin investigating accidents shortly after they occur.

They may call to:

• Gather information
• Ask about the accident
• Request a recorded statement
• Discuss settlement

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help injured clients understand what insurance companies are asking for and how to protect their interests throughout the process.

Whether you must provide a recorded statement depends on the circumstances and the specific insurance relationship involved.

Before giving a recorded statement, it is important to understand:

• What information is being requested
• Who is requesting it
• How your answers may be used

Statements made early after an accident can sometimes be misunderstood or taken out of context.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients navigate insurance communications and make informed decisions. We strongly suggest contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help you navigate recorded statements and all other facets of a personal injury claim.

A quick settlement offer may seem convenient, especially when you are dealing with medical bills and stress after an accident. Fast money may seem incredibly appealing when you are dealing with an injury, missing time at work, juggling rental vehicles, and facing mounting medical bills.

However, early offers may not always reflect the full value of your claim. Before accepting a settlement, it is important to understand:

• The full extent of your injuries
• Whether future treatment may be needed
• The full financial impact of the accident

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients evaluate whether a settlement offer truly addresses their losses before making decisions that may affect their future.

A denial is the insurance company’s position—it is not necessarily the final answer.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we review why a claim was denied, examine the evidence, and determine what options may be available moving forward.

Sometimes a stronger presentation of evidence can change the outcome. Other times, additional legal action may be necessary.

The important thing is not to give up simply because an insurance company says no. This is when having dedicated personal injury attorneys advocate for you can make all the difference – and it is what we have been doing for more than 30 years at Tuttle Larsen, P.A.

Having an insurance company deny your claim can feel discouraging, but a denial is often not the end of the process.

Insurance companies may deny claims for many reasons, including:

• Disputing fault
• Questioning injuries
• Arguing coverage does not apply
• Disagreeing about damages

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we review the facts, investigate the circumstances, and help clients understand what steps may be available after a claim denial.

Insurance companies play an important role in providing coverage after accidents, but it is important to remember that insurance companies are businesses.

Their goal is often to resolve claims efficiently and control costs. That does not necessarily mean their first offer or evaluation reflects the full value of your claim.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help injured clients understand the insurance process and make sure their rights are protected. You do not have to navigate complicated insurance issues alone.

Insurance adjusters may:

• Ask questions about the accident
• Review your medical records
• Evaluate fault
• Make settlement offers

Insurance companies often request medical records to evaluate injuries related to an accident.

However, it is important to understand what records are being requested and why.

Medical history can sometimes involve information unrelated to the accident, and insurance companies may review records when evaluating claims.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients understand what information is relevant and how medical documentation fits into their claim.

Insurance companies sometimes argue that an injury was caused by a pre-existing condition rather than an accident.

However, having a previous injury or medical condition does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation.

A person can still have a valid claim if an accident:

• Made an existing condition worse
• Caused additional injury
• Increased pain or limitations

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we understand that accidents affect real people with real medical histories. We focus on how the accident changed your condition and your life.

Insurance companies may sometimes question the severity of injuries after an accident.

They may argue that:

• The accident was minor
• The vehicle damage was limited
• Treatment was unnecessary
• Symptoms are unrelated

However, injuries cannot always be judged by appearances alone.

We focus on medical evidence, treatment, and the actual impact an injury has had on your life.

Insurance delays can be frustrating, especially when you are dealing with medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty.

Delays may happen because of:

• Additional investigation
• Requests for information
• Coverage questions
• Negotiation issues

However, injured people should not feel ignored or left without answers.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients understand where their claim stands and what options may exist when insurance companies delay.

In many cases, you should be cautious before accepting an initial settlement offer from an insurance company.

Early settlement offers may come before you know the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, or how the accident will affect your lifelong term. These are some of the reasons that having a personal injury attorney on your side can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim. We are dedicated plaintiff’s personal injury attorneys who have helped thousands of clients over the span of more than 30 years.

Once you accept a settlement, you generally give up the ability to seek additional compensation for that claim. That makes it important to understand what you are agreeing to before signing anything.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we encourage injured people not to make decisions based solely on the speed of an offer. A quick settlement is not always a fair settlement.

Before accepting an offer, it is worth understanding the full value of your claim and whether the settlement truly accounts for what you have experienced.

We help clients evaluate settlement offers and make informed decisions based on their circumstances.

Insurance companies may argue that an injured person contributed to an accident.

However, fault is determined by examining the facts—not simply accepting an insurance company’s position.

Important evidence may include:

• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos
• Vehicle damage
• Expert analysis

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we investigate the circumstances and work to ensure our clients’ side of the story is fully considered.

Insurance coverage after an accident can be complicated, and responsibility for medical expenses may depend on the type of claim and available insurance benefits.

Medical bills may involve:

• Your own insurance coverage
• The at-fault party’s insurance
• Health insurance
• Medical providers with liens or agreements

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients understand how medical expenses fit into their injury claims and what options may be available.

An insurance company may say that an offer is their “best” or “final” offer.

However, that does not necessarily mean it reflects the true value of your claim.

The value of a case depends on factors such as:

• Liability
• Insurance coverage
• Medical treatment
• Future damages
• Impact on your life

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we evaluate the complete picture before deciding whether an offer fairly represents what an injured person has lost.

A friendly insurance adjuster does not necessarily mean the insurance company is looking out for your best interests.

Insurance representatives may be professional and helpful while still working to protect the company’s financial interests.

Insurance adjusters are highly trained employees. Their job is to look out for the company’s bottom line. Getting you to feel relaxed and comfortable and speaking freely is one tactic that can result in statements you make being used against you later.

Having an attorney does not mean you are being unreasonable or starting a fight. It means you have a highly trained advocate who specializes in preserving your rights.

Our role is to help you understand your rights, handle the legal details, and make sure you are treated fairly. We know all the tactics the insurance companies use, and we have more than 30 years of experience handling them. All we do at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. is personal injury – specifically for the injured. We represent plaintiffs only and are passionate advocates for the injured.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we focus on documenting the full impact of an injury and presenting a complete picture of our client’s damages.

Insurance companies consider many factors when evaluating claims, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Liability
• Insurance limits
• Severity of injuries
• Evidence supporting the claim

However, insurance companies do not always evaluate claims the same way an injured person experiences their losses.

An insurance adjuster investigates claims and evaluates the amount the insurance company may pay.

Adjusters may:

• Review accident reports
• Request documents
• Speak with involved parties
• Evaluate damages
• Negotiate settlements

While adjusters may be professional, their role is to represent the insurance company.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help injured clients understand the process and protect their own interests during insurance negotiations.

Insurance companies may want to resolve claims quickly, but a quick resolution is not always the same as a fair resolution.

You should not feel pressured to accept a settlement before understanding your rights and the full impact of your injuries. This is why we advise injured people to contact a dedicated personal injury attorney as quickly as possible. If you are pressured into signing something with the insurance company prematurely, that can be the end of the road for any future claims.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients slow down the process when necessary, evaluate their options, and make decisions based on what is best for their future. We want you to have a complete understanding of your rights and options and we stop the insurance company’s pressure tactics for our clients.

Yes, you have the right to handle your own insurance claim, and some people successfully resolve smaller claims without an attorney.

However, negotiating a personal injury claim can become complicated quickly. Insurance companies evaluate claims based on legal, medical, and financial factors that are not always obvious to someone unfamiliar with the process.

An experienced attorney can help by:

• Evaluating the true value of the claim
• Gathering supporting evidence
• Communicating with insurers
• Identifying issues that may affect recovery
• Negotiating from a position of preparation
• Identifying all possible defendants

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help injured people understand when professional guidance may be valuable and what steps can help protect their rights.

After an accident, insurance companies become an important part of the process. However, understanding how insurance works can be confusing, especially when you are also dealing with injuries and recovery.

Insurance exists to provide financial protection when accidents happen. Depending on the circumstances, different insurance policies may come into play, including:

• Your own auto insurance coverage
• The other driver’s insurance
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
• Property insurance
• Business insurance

The insurance company investigates the claim, evaluates responsibility, and determines what they believe should be paid.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we remind clients that insurance companies are not neutral parties. They have obligations under their policies, but they are also businesses making decisions about claims.

Our role is to help protect your interests, understand available coverage, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries.

This is one of the first questions many people have after an accident, and the answer depends on the circumstances.

In Florida, different types of insurance coverage may help pay medical expenses after certain accidents. For example, after a car accident, your own insurance coverage may provide benefits regardless of who caused the crash.

Other sources may include health insurance, medical payment coverage, or compensation obtained through a personal injury claim.

Many people worry about receiving medical bills while their case is pending. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients understand their options and how medical expenses are handled throughout the process.

The important thing is not to delay necessary medical care because you are unsure how the bills will be paid. Getting the right treatment is an important step toward protecting both your health and your claim.

We cover case costs for our clients and help alleviate some of the financial stress and burden so our clients can focus on their physical recovery and wellness.

Bodily injury coverage is a type of automobile insurance coverage that may help pay for injuries caused by an insured driver who is legally responsible for an accident.

This coverage may apply to expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from injuries.

However, not every driver carries the same amount of coverage, and some drivers may have little or no bodily injury insurance.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we carefully review available insurance coverage because identifying the available sources of compensation is a critical part of every case.

A claim is not just about proving someone was responsible—it is also about understanding what insurance resources may be available to help you recover.

Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system includes Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as PIP coverage.

PIP is designed to provide certain benefits after a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. These benefits may help cover medical expenses and certain lost wages, subject to the terms and limits of the policy and Florida law.

Many people are surprised to learn that their own insurance may be involved even when another driver caused the accident.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help clients understand how PIP works and how it fits into the larger picture of a personal injury claim.

Insurance rules can be complicated, especially when you are injured. Having someone explain the process can help you make informed decisions during a stressful time.

Uninsured motorist coverage, often called UM coverage, is insurance protection that may help when you are injured by a driver who does not have enough insurance—or any insurance—to cover your damages.

Unfortunately, accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers happen every day. Even when someone else is clearly responsible, recovering compensation can be challenging if there is not enough available insurance coverage.

UM coverage can provide an important layer of protection for drivers and passengers.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we encourage people to understand their own insurance policies before an accident happens. Many people do not realize they have this valuable coverage until they need it.

If you have been injured and are unsure what insurance coverage may apply, we can help you understand your options.

Underinsured motorist coverage, often called UIM coverage, may help protect you when the person who caused your accident does not have enough insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries.

For example, imagine you are seriously injured in a crash and your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. Without additional coverage, you may have limited options for recovering the full value of your claim.

Underinsured motorist coverage may provide an additional source of compensation, depending on your policy and the circumstances of your accident.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we carefully review every available insurance policy when evaluating a claim. Sometimes the most important coverage is not the other driver’s policy—it may be your own.

Many people do not realize they have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage until after an accident occurs. Understanding your policy and your options can make a significant difference when you are dealing with serious injuries.

The first step is determining what insurance coverage exists and who may be legally responsible for your injuries.

Being injured by an uninsured driver can be frustrating, but it does not always mean you have no options.

Depending on the circumstances, potential sources of compensation may include:

• Your uninsured motorist coverage
• Other applicable insurance policies
• Claims against additional responsible parties

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we understand how overwhelming it can feel to be injured through no fault of your own and then discover the responsible driver has little or no insurance. That is why a thorough investigation is so important.

We look beyond the obvious questions to identify every possible avenue for recovery and help clients understand what options may be available to them.

Unfortunately, having an insured driver involved in an accident does not always mean there is enough insurance to cover your losses.

Serious injuries can quickly exceed policy limits, especially when someone needs surgery, extensive treatment, cannot work, or suffers permanent limitations.

When available insurance is limited, we look at the entire situation, including:

• The amount of available coverage
• Whether additional policies apply
• The severity of the injuries
• The full extent of damages

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we do not assume the first insurance number offered represents the true value of a claim. We take the time to understand the impact of an injury and explore all available options.

In our experience handling thousands of car accident claims, we can tell you that a number of accidents can involve more than one insurance company. For example, a claim may involve:

• Multiple drivers
• Multiple vehicles
• Commercial vehicles
• Employer insurance policies
• Uninsured or underinsured coverage

When several insurance companies are involved, determining responsibility and available coverage can become complicated quickly.

Each insurer may have different interests, and they may not always agree about who should pay or how much responsibility each party has. Pointing the finger at other parties and playing the blame game will not deter us from fighting for our clients.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we carefully review the circumstances of the accident and all available insurance coverage. Understanding the complete insurance picture is an important part of protecting our clients’ interests.

This is a complicated question and the only answer is: it depends. The timeline for an insurance claim depends on many factors, including:

• The severity of injuries
• The amount of medical treatment needed
• Whether fault is disputed
• The insurance company’s cooperation
• Whether a lawsuit becomes necessary

Some straightforward claims may resolve relatively quickly. More serious injury cases often take longer because it is important to understand the full impact of the injuries before resolving the claim.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we understand that injured people want answers and resolution. We work efficiently while also making sure we do not rush a decision before the full extent of damages is known.

Though there is no straightforward formula to answer how long will a certain claim take, we communicate with our clients throughout the case. Our clients have a clear understanding of what we are working on, what the possible outcomes are, and what is likely to happen next. We keep your best interests at the forefront of our mind. That drives every action we take as we work on behalf of our clients seeking the best possible outcome with their unique circumstances in mind.