In Florida, many accident claims involve an SIU investigation. The SIU protects the insurance company’s interest by ensuring that the claim is legitimate.
For many Florida residents, the SIU investigation is a key strand in an already complex web of insurance policies and legal requirements. Their findings may make or break your case, so it’s important to know what to expect from this process.
Not sure where to start? Read on to learn more about the influence of an SIU on Florida accident claims and how to protect your rights!
What Is an SIU?
SIU stands for “Special Investigation Unit.” Most insurance companies have their own SIU unit, though the exact name may vary among insurers.
SIUs specialize in insurance fraud detection. They work diligently to ensure that the claimants involved in vehicle accidents are not:
- Exaggerating their injuries
- Seeking unneeded medical treatment
- Staging the accident
If an accident claim seems suspicious, an SIU will likely look into it. The specifics of this process will depend on the case, but it usually involves:
- Collecting and analyzing evidence
- Interviewing claimants and witnesses
- Working with law enforcement to prosecute fraudulent claims
Most SIUs also try to identify patterns of fraudulent activity. Oftentimes, this helps them prevent fraud from occurring at all. This versatility allows SIUs to work on a variety of insurance products beyond car accident claims.
What to Do if Your Claim Goes to SIU?
Has your accident claim become the subject of an SIU investigation? If so, there are a few accident claim tips that will help you impact its outcome.
Avoid Criminal Charges
First things first: if your claim is likely to be fraudulent, it’s in your best interest to withdraw it immediately. Continuing with a fraudulent claim may have major legal consequences, including criminal fraud charges.
Buscar representación legal
If you have a valid injury claim, consulting an attorney is one of the first things you should do after your accident. Even if the SIU investigation finds no proof of fraud, your case may still go to trial. Your attorney will:
- Protect your legal rights
- Provide the necessary support
- Guide you through the investigation process
Documentar todo
Make sure to maintain detailed records of all your interactions with your insurance company, including emails and phone calls. You’ll also want to keep track of any documentation related to your medical treatment, including:
- Facturas
- Notas del médico
- Prescripciones
- Other proof of your injuries and care
Be Honest and Transparent
When it comes to filing a Florida accident insurance claim, honesty is always the best policy. Cooperate with the SUI’s requests and provide accurate information about the accident. Misrepresenting the case often leads to claim denials.
How Long Does an SIU Investigation Take?
The claim investigation process can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Here are some key factors that may influence this process.
Complexity of the Case
The complexity of your claim plays a big role in how long the investigation will take. Cases involving multiple parties and intricate details will take longer to make sense of, whereas cases with clear-cut facts tend to get resolved quickly.
Cooperation of the Parties
For the investigation to move efficiently, claimants and witnesses must be readily available to give interviews and provide documentation. If one or more parties are uncooperative, the process could take quite a bit longer.
Availability of Evidence
Many SIU investigations rely on evidence that requires time-consuming processes to obtain. Of course, the more complex a case is, the more evidence the SIU will need to acquire. Some examples of relevant documentation are:
- Imágenes de vigilancia
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
Jurisdiction and Legality
Like all other states, Florida has specific laws and regulations for insurance claims. Court schedules and legal requirements may both impact the time it takes to acquire certain court orders or approvals.
Preguntas más frecuentes (FAQ)
How Long After an Accident Can You Still Make a Claim?
To receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits in Florida, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident. After that, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit and four years for a property damage lawsuit.
In general, it’s best to file an accident claim as soon as possible. This helps facilitate the claims process and can contribute to the faster resolution of the case.
Why Do Claims Go to an SIU?
An SIU may get involved in a claim if it appears inconsistent with common accident scenarios. They’re also experienced in identifying certain red flags that make claims appear suspicious. Some of these red flags include:
- Filing a claim shortly after obtaining an insurance policy
- Discrepancies in reported injuries or damages
- A claimant with a history of filing fraudulent claims
Is Florida Still a No-Fault State?
Yes, Florida is still a no-fault state. This means that drivers need to carry PIP insurance and must first file a claim for injuries and lost wages with their own insurance company. This is true regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
In Florida, you’re usually not allowed to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. That said, you can still pursue a claim if your injuries are serious enough, i.e., permanent loss of an important bodily function.
What Is the 90-Day Rule in Florida Insurance?
Once you file an accident claim in Florida, your insurer will have 90 days to pay or deny it. This gives the insurer enough time to conduct a thorough investigation, including the SIU process.
If the insurer suspects foul play, they may ask for additional time to investigate. However, the 90-day claim payment deadline will remain in effect.
Florida Accident Claims Made Easy
The bottom line: Florida accident claims can be tricky to navigate. Once you add the SIU to this process, the whole thing can start to seem overwhelming. This is why having an experienced attorney by your side is of utmost importance.
En RHINO Lawyers, we know what it takes to settle car accident cases for more money. Unlike other law firms, we also tend to settle cases within 9-12 months. All our clients also get direct access to an attorney at all times!
Póngase en contacto con nosotros for a free case evaluation or to learn more about our legal services!
CONTACTE A UN ABOGADO DE ACCIDENTES DE AUTO EN TAMPA
En resumen, después de un accidente de coche, es posible que no conozca sus derechos. Sobre todo, no luche solo en el proceso. En realidad, nuestro equipo de lesiones personales está aquí para ayudarle con cualquier necesidad legal que pueda tener en relación con su accidente.
Por último, dejemos que RHINO Lawyers responder a sus preguntas y revisar los hechos de su caso con una consulta gratuita. Así que, comience completando el "EVALUACIÓN DE CASO GRATUITA INSTANTÁNEAMENTE" o llamándonos a cualquier hora, de día o de noche, al 844.RHINO.77.
