How to Identify a Low-Ball Insurance Settlement
After you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence in a car accident, the next logical step would be to file a car accident claim. You should be adequately compensated for all your damages. This means that you’ll soon find yourself negotiating with insurance companies, which can make this process a tedious and complicated one.
Worrying about your recovery while trying to recover from your injuries can already be overwhelming, and once you add negotiating to the equation, you’ll soon start feeling the effects of constant stress.
For this reason, you should always be aware of the common tactics used by adjusters so you can identify a low-ball insurance settlement. Talk to the lawyers at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP to learn how to identify an appropriate settlement.
Receiving a Settlement Offer Too Soon
Insurance companies are interested in avoiding payout or paying you as little as possible. They’re a business and their profits are considered a priority when compared to your wellbeing. Insurance companies know that you want to settle your claim as quickly as possible. That’s why they’ll contact you immediately after the accident asking about additional details.
While it might be tempting to just forget about everything and accept the settlement, this mistake can hurt your finances over time. When an insurance adjuster contacts you, you may not know the full extent of your injuries and your emotional damage. What you’ll receive won’t be enough to cover current and future expenses, and they know it.
Insisting That an Attorney Would Be a Waste of Time
A qualified lawyer knows your rights and will protect them with no hesitation during a personal injury case. They’ll work with your best interests in mind and won’t stop until you’re properly compensated. That’s why insurance companies who lowball you will often warn you that an attorney is only a waste of time and more added stress.
Experienced legal advisors will focus on calculating the exact amount of compensation you deserve before they even start negotiating. Your lawyer will analyze every piece of evidence. They’ll know immediately if a settlement offer is too low, which is why adjusters always try to discourage you from speaking with one.
Questioning Your Injuries
You should always be careful when you’re asked about your injuries. Everything you say will be considered a statement and used as evidence. It’s not unusual for insurance companies to accuse you of committing actions that worsened your injuries, or that your symptoms are the result of a pre-existing condition.
Because of this, it’s important to know what to expect from your case. Don’t speak about the way you feel until you’ve obtained a medical report.
Let a Personal Injury Lawyer Fight for You
It should be obvious by now that insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind. They want you to commit a mistake that will cause irreversible damage. The best way to protect yourself from their strategies is to let a personal injury lawyer fight for you.
At Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, making sure you’re able to receive the money you deserve will be our priority. No one deserves to be a victim twice after such a traumatic experience. Give us a call at 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or use our online contact form to get started with your accident case.
