Personal Injury Claim Settlement: Why You Should Not Accept the Initial Offer of an Insurance Company

Insurance companies are known for their tendency to undervalue personal injury claims. Once they are informed about an accident that involves their policyholder, they will immediately investigate the accident and try to find ways to pay as little money as possible or not pay at all. If you have been injured in an accident because of another person’s negligence, you need to work with an experienced attorney from the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika to go through the legal process smoothly. Your attorney will ensure you will not settle for less than the compensation you deserve. 

How Insurance Companies Handle Claims

Depending on how serious your injuries are, a first settlement offer from an insurance company may not cover your medical expenses. This is a sad reality since you may have more losses to recover. The insurance company’s investigation will include your injuries. If the insurer thinks its policyholder is to blame for the accident, it might make a settlement offer. Without an attorney, you may be tempted to accept the offer. 

But insurers employ various tactics for undervaluing or denying claims. They will look into your social media accounts, hoping to find evidence that they can use to counter your claim regarding the seriousness of your injuries. Also, they may insist that their offer is the most they can pay you. They will ask for a recorded statement from you, hoping that you can say something they can be used against you later. Given all these possibilities, it’s best to have an attorney handle talks with an insurance company for you.

What to Expect When You Sign a Settlement Contract with an Insurer

When you sign a settlement contract with the at-fault party’s insurance provider, you won’t be able to seek additional compensation for the same injuries you were compensated for. Thus, if you accepted a settlement offer early in the process, you will be forced to face any medical bills you might have when your injury gets worse later. 

Thus, you should always have a lawyer review any offer from an insurer. They can always negotiate a better offer. Keep in mind that some injuries do not show immediate symptoms. The last thing you want is to sign a settlement contract too soon. You might need more than the initial offer. Although you might need the money soon, waiting it out can help you get the compensation you deserve.