What steps should I take immediately after a car accident in Clermont?

Ensure everyone's safety and call 911. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and seek medical attention—even if you feel fine. Promptly report the accident to your insurance company and consult with a local attorney to understand your rights.

Do I need to report the accident to the police?

Yes. Florida law requires that you report any car accident involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage to the police. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. It's advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure timely filing.

What is Florida's no-fault insurance system?

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault. However, for serious injuries, you may step outside the no-fault system to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer?

It's recommended to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement that doesn't fully cover your damages and future expenses.

What types of compensation can I pursue after a car accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related costs. An attorney can help evaluate your case and determine the appropriate damages to seek.

By: Jerry November 4, 2025

Early Settlement Offers After a Car Accident in Orlando or Clermont — Should You Take It?

Personal-Injury

After a car accident, it doesn’t take long before the insurance company reaches out — sometimes even within hours. They’ll call, act concerned, and offer a quick settlement, promising to “take care of everything.”
What they won’t tell you is this:

Early settlement offers are designed to save the insurance company money — not to protect you.

If you’re dealing with injuries, lost time from work, medical bills, or the stress of property damage, a fast check can feel like relief. But accepting too soon can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Why Insurance Companies Push Fast Settlements

Insurance companies know people are overwhelmed after a crash. They know you’re worried about bills and want to get your life back on track. Their strategy is simple:

Offer a quick payout before you know the full extent of your injuries
Get you to sign a release so you can never ask for more money
Close the claim for as little as possible

Once you accept, that’s it. Even if your injury turns out to be worse than expected — herniated disc, concussion symptoms, nerve damage — you cannot reopen your claim.

Hidden Costs Most People Don’t Factor In

Medical bills are only one part of your claim. A full settlement should consider:

Ongoing treatment (physical therapy, chiropractic care)
Costs of diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-ray)
Prescription costs
Lost wages
Reduced ability to earn in the future
Pain and emotional distress

When Jerry Jenkins negotiates, he calculates what you need now and in the future. The insurance company only cares about today.

Signs the Offer Is Too Low

You can almost guarantee an offer is too low if:

It comes within days of the accident
You haven’t finished medical treatment
They discourage you from speaking to an attorney
They won’t provide a breakdown of how they calculated the offer

Early settlement offers are often 10–20% of what the claim is actually worth.

What You Should Do Instead

Get medical treatment documented
Do not discuss injuries with the adjuster
Do not sign anything without legal review
Call a personal injury lawyer before accepting ANY offer

A simple review can prevent you from signing away your right to future compensation.

FAQs — Early Settlement Offers

Can I still get more money after accepting a settlement?

No. Once you sign, your claim is closed forever.

Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?

You can confirm basic details, but do not discuss injuries, pain levels, or treatment.

How much does a lawyer cost?

Nothing upfront — Jerry works on contingency, meaning he only gets paid if you do.

Why talk to a lawyer if the offer seems “good enough”?

Because you don’t yet know what you’ll need. The value of a case depends on the full medical picture.

Auto Accident? Contact Us For a Free Consultation

When you’re dealing with pain, uncertainty, and medical appointments, it’s easy to feel pressure to accept whatever the insurance company puts in front of you. But you only get one shot at a settlement. Once you sign, there is no do-over — even if your symptoms get worse, even if treatment becomes more expensive than expected, and even if you can’t return to work. Before giving up your rights, talk to someone who understands what your case is really worth and who deals with insurance companies every day. You don’t need to fight this alone, and you don’t need to rush into a decision just because an insurance adjuster wants to close the claim. Your future matters more than their timeline.