When an accident happens, insurance companies often rush to offer a quick settlement. But as California-based attorney Chris Mova learned from personal experience, these swift payouts can have devastating long-term consequences for Florida families.
“Insurance companies prey on vulnerability,” explains Mova, founder of Mova Law Group Personal Injury Attorneys. “They know that immediately after an accident, families are stressed, worried about medical bills, and often unaware of their rights.”
Mova’s insight comes from both professional expertise and personal experience. At age seven, he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. His immigrant parents, unfamiliar with the American legal system, accepted a quick $2,000 settlement.
“The insurance company came running to us,” Mova recalls. “What my parents didn’t know was that by accepting that quick payment, they signed away my rights to future medical care.”
Shortly after the settlement, Mova developed a stutter that would require years of speech therapy. His parents’ attempts to seek additional compensation were met with a harsh reality: they had signed a release forfeiting all future claims.
For Florida families facing similar situations today, Mova offers these critical warnings.
Don’t Rush to Settle
“The full extent of injuries, especially in children, may not be immediately apparent,” Mova cautions. “Brain injuries, soft tissue damage, and psychological trauma can take days or weeks to manifest.”
Watch for Red Flags
His advice for Florida families? “Take a breath. Don’t sign anything immediately. Seek medical attention first, then consult with a legal professional who can protect your interests.”
- Insurance adjusters pushing for quick decisions
- Pressure to sign documents without legal review
- Discouragement from seeking legal counsel
- Settlement offers before full medical evaluation
Document Everything
“Keep detailed records of all medical visits, expenses, and conversations with insurance representatives,” Mova advises. “These details can be crucial if additional injuries surface later.”
Know Your Rights
Florida law protects accident victims, but these protections only work if you understand them. “Insurance companies count on your lack of knowledge,” says Mova. “That’s why they rush to settle before you can educate yourself or seek legal advice.”
Consider the Long Term
Think beyond immediate medical bills. Consider:
- Future medical treatments
- Long-term rehabilitation needs
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Impact on quality of life
The Stakes Are High
“What seems like a generous offer at the moment might be grossly inadequate for long-term needs,” Mova warns. His childhood settlement, worth about $2,000, left his family struggling to pay for years of necessary speech therapy.
“Every time I see a family pressured into a quick settlement, I think of my parents,” Mova reflects. “They thought they were doing the right thing, but that decision impacted our family for years.”
For Floridians facing pressure from insurance companies, Mova’s message is clear: “Your family’s future is worth more than a quick check. Take the time to understand your rights and get the compensation you truly deserve.”
This is especially crucial in Florida, where complex insurance laws and the state’s no-fault system can make it challenging for families to navigate claims without professional guidance.
“Don’t let a moment of vulnerability compromise your family’s future,” Mova concludes.
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