It's a common scenario: You're recovering from an accident, bills are coming in, and the phone rings. It's the insurance adjuster. They are friendly, sympathetic, and they have good news—they want...
It's a common scenario: You're recovering from an accident, bills are coming in, and the phone rings. It's the insurance adjuster. They are friendly, sympathetic, and they have good news—they want to send you a check right now to 'close out' your case. It's tempting to take the money and run. But before you sign anything, you need to know the truth about first settlement offers.
The Lowball Tactic
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. The first offer is almost always a 'lowball' offer. They are testing you. They want to see if you are desperate or uninformed enough to accept a fraction of what your case is actually worth. Once you sign the release, you can never ask for more money, even if you need surgery next month.
What the Offer Likely Misses
Early offers usually cover only the medical bills they can see right now. They often ignore future medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They definitely don't account for the long-term impact of a permanent injury. Accepting an early offer is gambling with your future health.
The Power of 'No'
Rejecting the first offer is standard procedure. It signals to the insurance company that you know your rights and won't be taken advantage of. This is where negotiation begins. With a lawyer representing you, the offers typically increase significantly as we present evidence of the true value of your claim.
When Might You Accept?
In very rare cases involving minor injuries where you have fully recovered, a first offer might be fair. But you should never make that determination alone. Always have a professional review the offer first.
The Risk of Signing Too Soon
The release form they ask you to sign is a legal contract. It releases them from ALL liability. If you sign it and then find out you have a herniated disc that needs surgery, you are out of luck. You pay for that surgery yourself.
Contact Emas Law Group Today
The insurance adjuster is not your friend. They are a trained negotiator. You need someone in your corner who negotiates for a living. At Emas Law Group, we review settlement offers for free. Before you sign your rights away, let us tell you what your case is really worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rejecting an offer mean I get nothing?
No. Rejecting an offer simply keeps the negotiation open. They won't pull the money off the table; they will usually come back with a higher number.
How much more can I get?
It depends, but studies show that injury victims with attorneys recover significantly more (sometimes 3x or more) than those who settle alone.
Can I negotiate myself?
You can try, but insurers rarely take unrepresented claimants seriously. They know you likely can't take them to court effectively.