Following a car accident, insurance adjusters offer early settlement offers to quickly close a case. Receiving a settlement offer can feel like a massive relief as the bills are beginning to pile up, and you’re injuries have left you unable to work for a substantial period. However, accepting an early settlement offer may do you more harm than good. Insurance adjusters usually offer a lowball settlement of far less than what a victim truly is entitled to for their damages. Insurance adjusters are not on your side as they use tactics to undervalue damages to minimize payouts. Ultimately, they want to catch you before you’ve had time to understand the full scope of your injuries. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of our determined Jefferson County Personal Injury Lawyers, who can help you fight for the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Offers a Lowball Settlement?
After serious accidents, the minimum coverage rates offered by your insurance policy may only cover a fraction of the costs. Therefore, you may need to pursue legal action against the at-fault party to seek additional compensation to cover the remainder of your damages. When an insurance adjuster approaches you after an accident, they may make it seem like they have your best interest at heart. However, nothing could be further from the truth. As mentioned above, claims adjusters use various tactics to save their employer as much money as possible.
Understandably, this can be an overwhelming and frustrating process. However, it would be best to remain polite and professional when interacting with insurance adjusters. Even if you think the adjuster isn’t being fair, you should refrain from being hostile. They will try to use your words against you to minimize their liability. In addition, you should ask questions to figure out why the adjuster reached the conclusion they did. If your claim is denied, they must give you a reason. Depending on their answers, they may be able to negotiate a counteroffer.
Furthermore, you should keep records of everything. This includes your medical records, pay stubs, property damage, witnesses’ contact information, and any other evidence to help you formulate a strong case for fair payment of your damages.
Should I Consult a Lawyer?
Even if your injuries are minor, if you accept an early settlement offer, you may wind up receiving less than your claim is worth. When dealing with the insurance company, fighting back and asserting your legal rights is crucial. If you have not done so already, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who can negotiate. An experienced lawyer will be able to determine if your claim could be worth much more than you’re being offered.
If you’ve been offered a lowball settlement offer, please don’t hesitate to contact an adept lawyer from Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, who can help you fight for the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled to your economic and non-economic damages.
