Kendall Insurance Fraud Lawyers: Your Guide to Fighting Fraud Allegations
Getting accused of insurance fraud can be scary. The penalties are severe, and the laws are complex. You need an experienced lawyer on your side.
This article explains common fraud charges in Kendall, Florida. It also discusses smart defense strategies and how to choose the right attorney.
What is Insurance Fraud?
Insurance fraud means intentionally deceiving an insurance company. Common allegations include:
- Filing claims for damages or injuries that didn’t really happen
- Exaggerating the amount of loss in a claim
- Hiding information from the insurer, like preexisting damage
- Letting someone else use your insurance illegally
In Florida, even just making false statements on an application is insurance fraud. You don’t have to succeed in getting payouts.
Why Do People Commit Insurance Fraud?
There are a few common motivations:
- To get insurance payments they aren’t entitled to. For example, by exaggerating accident injuries or damage to property.
- To lower insurance premiums by hiding relevant information from the insurer. This includes failing to disclose preexisting medical conditions on a health insurance application.
- To allow someone else to use their insurance illegally. For example, adding a non-family member to a car insurance policy so they can drive the insured vehicle.
Greed leads some people to commit outright fraud. But many are well-intentioned folks who make mistakes on applications or claims. They fail to disclose something by accident. Or they exaggerate a claim because they don’t understand the consequences.
What are the Consequences of Insurance Fraud?
In Florida, even small insurance frauds are felonies. Convictions can lead to:
- Years in prison
- Massive fines up to $50,000
- Permanent criminal record
- Difficulty finding jobs or housing
- Loss of professional licenses
The penalties get harsher as the dollar value goes up. Frauds over $20,000 are second-degree felonies with up to 15 years imprisonment. Amounts over $100,000 can bring up to 30 years!
Common Insurance Fraud Charges
Prosecutors often stack multiple charges:
1. Fraudulent insurance claims
This includes exaggerating or completely fabricating damages, injuries, or losses to obtain payouts.
Defenses include lack of criminal intent. Mistakes or ignorance aren’t fraud.
2. False statements on applications
It’s illegal to intentionally hide preexisting conditions, criminal records, etc. to get approved or lower premiums.
But minor omissions by mistake often don’t qualify as fraud.
3. Staged accidents
Purposely causing damage or pretending to be injured in an accident to file claims is insurance fraud.
But if the crash was real, it may not be illegal even if you profit from claims.
4. Unlicensed contractors
Insurers often require licensed contractors for repairs. Using unlicensed contractors to pocket the difference is fraud.
Defenses turn on contractor agreements and insurer notification.
5. Misrepresenting policyholders
Adding non-family members to your auto policy so they can drive your car illegally is insurance fraud.
Defenses depend on the relationship and living circumstances.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Don’t go it alone against insurance fraud charges. An experienced attorney can often get charges reduced or dismissed.
Look for these traits:
– Specialized expertise
Ask about case experience. Have they defended insurance fraud cases successfully before? Find out their track record.
– Knowledge of regulations
Do they seem knowledgeable about Florida’s insurance laws and regulations?
– Communication skills
They should listen to your side and explain options clearly.
– Reasonable fees
Balance costs against years of legal expertise and the severity of charges.
Work With a Kendall Insurance Fraud Lawyer Today
Facing fraud accusations is scary. But experienced lawyers fight these cases every day.
They dig into the details to build strong defenses. Insurance regulations are complex, but skilled attorneys find ways to get charges dismissed or reduced.
Don’t wait to seek help. The sooner you have an expert lawyer on your side, the better. Start by contacting a dedicated Kendall insurance fraud attorney today.