Why You Shouldn’t Take the First Settlement Offer
Being injured in any car accident can be scary and traumatic. When you’re injured because of another negligent driver, it can make this time even more overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for the damages you incurred as a result of someone else’s actions.
In this type of situation, you will most likely rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover your damages. If they do end up offering you a settlement, you don’t have to immediately take their first offer. In fact, it may be in your best interest not to accept the initial settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company.
The Adjuster Is Working for the Insurance Company
Never forget that insurance companies are businesses. The number one goal of these businesses is to make money. Insurance companies profit when they can either avoid payouts or when they can reduce the amount that they do pay.
Because of this fact, insurance adjusters will do anything they can to deny paying injury victims the compensation they need to financially recover. They will try to collect any evidence needed to deny or devalue your claim. They may even try to use your own statement against you.
This is why it’s so crucial that you obtain the help of a personal injury attorney before taking any settlement offer. This person will work on your behalf and with your best interests in mind first.
Your Case May Be Worth More Than the Initial Offer
You may be inclined to take the first settlement offer from the insurance company. They offered you something, right? Well, the fact is that you may very well be entitled to much more than their initial offer.
Insurance adjusters are very good at making injury victims feel that their offer is the most they are going to get. You may be made to feel as though the insurance company has the upper hand and you should take the first offer as soon as possible before you lose your chance. Don’t fall for this trick.
The insurance company wants to pay out as little as possible, so they will probably offer you an initial lowball settlement to see how low you will go, even if it’s less than your case is worth.
Once You Accept, Your Offer Is Final
When you accept a settlement offer from the insurance company, there’s no coming back later with new documents or evidence to get more compensation. Your case may seem black and white, but medical bills rack up faster than you may think. Here are a few angles to consider before taking a settlement offer:
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Will you have a permanent disability?
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Will you be able to perform the safe job you did before the accident?
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Have you had any surgeries or will you need them in the future?
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Will you have rehabilitation costs?
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Will you need to see a therapist related to the events of your accident?
If you take a settlement offer that is less than what you deserve, you could be left with out-of-pocket expenses once your award amount runs out. Your personal injury attorney can look at the details of your specific case and fight to ensure that you receive the full amount needed to cover your costs.
Protecting Your Legal Rights to Compensation
One of the biggest mistakes that injury victims can make is going up by themselves against insurance companies. If the insurance company knows you’re fighting by yourself, they may try to take advantage of your situation. This is why it’s imperative to obtain the help of a seasoned personal injury attorney who can fight for your maximum compensation.
Even simply having an attorney on your side during the negotiations process can deter the insurance company from lowballing your offer. At Aizenman Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of injury victims and ensuring they receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
We will work as your legal advocates to ensure that the insurance company pays you fair and full compensation for your injuries. That way, you are able to pay for your medical bills and lost wages and focus on your recovery.
Don’t hesitate to contact Aizeman Law Group at (918) 215-8856 for a free consultation. We are providing remote legal services amid the coronavirus pandemic so you don’t have to leave your home.