The insurance coverage business is a profit-driven industry. When injured in a car accident, most people expect insurance providers to come through for them and provide a fair settlement for their medical bills, lost income, and other expenses, but that is not the case all the time.
One typical scheme of insurance companies is devaluing personal injury claims. More often than not, they take advantage of accident victims’ vulnerability during the days following a crash, when financial help is urgently needed.
At the Brodie Law Group, our Macon car accident lawyers witness this strategy by insurance companies every day.
The Catch Behind Quick Settlement Offers
After experiencing an accident, the first offer of settlement may seem enticing due to the urgent need to cover expenses.
Do not take the bait!
Insurance companies want you to settle fast and cheap. Don’t mistake temporary stress relief in the form of a fast settlement check to fool you into accepting compensation that is lower than what you deserve.
These early offers are not made to alleviate your burdens. They are instead designed to safeguard the interests of the insurance company and to stop you from hiring an attorney that will explain to you the full extent of the compensation you can get. The moment you sign a settlement agreement at first instance, your claim is closed. You can no longer come back to it and ask for a larger settlement, even if your medical and other treatment needs keep increasing.
The Truth About Lowball Offers
Insurance companies know that most people don’t realize the full value of their claim. That’s why these quick first offers are lowball offers.
Here are some ways insurers devalue your claim:
- Future medical costs ignored
- Serious injuries often require follow-up surgeries, rehabilitation, or physical therapy. Quick settlements rarely include these expenses.
- Lost earning capacity overlooked
- If your injuries limit your ability to work in the future, you may lose years of income. Insurers often cover only immediate lost wages.
- If your injuries limit your ability to work in the future, you may lose years of income. Insurers often cover only immediate lost wages.
- Pain and suffering minimized
- Non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, are difficult to measure but very real. These are often discounted or ignored.
- Blame shifted onto you
- Adjusters may argue you caused the accident or exaggerated your injuries to reduce their payout.
- Adjusters may argue you caused the accident or exaggerated your injuries to reduce their payout.
How Much Is Your Claim Actually Worth?
The true value of a car accident claim goes beyond the initial urgent care bills and vehicle repairs. The proper compensation should cover:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
Without an experienced car accident attorney to evaluate your case, it’s easy to undervalue what your case is worth.
Why Insurers Hold the Upper Hand
Insurance companies like the ones described above, succeed because of one simple reason:
Most victims of accidents don’t understand or realize that they’re entitled to a lot more compensation.
The first offer insurers give may seem fair in hindsight which is why people jump on it without realizing that they could be missing out on thousands of dollars. The unfortunate thing is, when the long-term effects of their injuries start to kick in, or they’ve lost their sharpness at work because of the accident, it is already too late.
Why You Need A Brodie Law Group Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced lawyer is the best way to not be fooled by these insurance companies. At the Brodie Law Group, we:
- Evaluate your claim – We calculate both current and future damages.
- Gather evidence – Medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony strengthen your case.
- Negotiate with insurers – We handle adjusters directly so they can’t pressure you.
- Prepare for trial – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re ready to fight for you in court.
Don’t Settle Too Soon
A car accident is a life-changing experience. Don’t allow the insurance company to dictate and underestimate the value of the settlement you need to make you whole again.
If you’ve been offered a quick settlement, think twice before signing and remember what we’ve told you. Make sure that it takes into account not just present time’s bills, but also your future medical needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Speak with a personal injury lawyer before you sign any settlement documents to make sure you are getting the full value of your claim. Consultations with a personal injury lawyer is always free and can give you peace of mind.
As always, the Macon car accident lawyers at the Brodie Law Group are here to help. We stand up to insurers and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (478) 239-2780 for a free injury consultation.
