Low Insurance Settlement offer in a Car Accident
You can deal with a low insurance settlement offer in a car accident by avoiding communications with the insurance adjuster and understanding the cost of your damages. You don’t have to deal with the insurance company after a car accident alone. Instead, you can hire a car accident lawyer to manage the claims process. They can evaluate your damages, send your demand letter, and negotiate a settlement.
By having a lawyer advocate for what you need, you can solely focus on recovering from your accident-related injuries. Our team offers free case reviews where you can learn more about your options after a car accident. Call (954) 633-8270 to connect with our team.
How To Deal With a Low Insurance Settlement Offer After a Collision
Right now, you may still be considering your legal options, meaning you haven’t partnered with a lawyer yet. The sooner you hire a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer, the sooner you can have someone else manage the claims process for you. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind while dealing with an uncooperative insurer:
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
While dealing with the claims adjuster, they may ask for a recorded statement. On the surface, this may seem like a risk-free conversation between you and an insurance representative. Yet, it’s actually a tactic designed to jeopardize your case. During your discussion, the adjuster may ask “loaded” questions, hoping that you’ll admit fault for the accident. At the very least, they hope you’ll contradict the severity of your condition by understating your symptoms.
You don’t have to give a recorded statement. Many Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers will tell you not to give one. You only have to furnish basic information after submitting your claim. Sharing anything beyond your contact information and policy number could mean a negative outcome for your case.
Know the Cost of Your Damages
You shouldn’t accept a settlement offer until you understand the cost of your accident-related damages. That means understanding:
- The medical treatment you require
- The cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle
- How your injury has affected your life
- Anything you’ve spent out of pocket because of the accident
- The insurance policy limits
If you accept an offer from the insurance company, your case ends, and you can’t ask for more money. This could become problematic, as some injuries require ongoing care. For example, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, brain injury survivors may need lifelong care. An initial settlement offer may not account for the treatment you’ll need in the future.
You do not have to agree to an unfair settlement offer. Our firm can evaluate your losses and determine what you’re owed. Then, we can negotiate with the insurance company for what you need. With our team on your side, you don’t have to worry about inadvertently accepting less than you deserve.
Keep Track of All Communications
One day, you might have a great conversation with the claims adjuster, who promises to pay for your losses among other things. Then, the next day, the representative may act like they have no idea what you’re talking about. This is common in injury claims. The insurer hopes that the confusion will compel you to accept a low offer.
Yet, by keeping records of all emails, phone calls, and text messages, you can hold the insurer to its word. You can also prevent bad faith insurance practices from jeopardizing your claim. In many states, such as Florida, you can take legal action for bad faith insurance practices according to Florida Statutes § 624.155.
Entrust Your Car Accident Claim to an Injury Lawyer
You don’t have to manage the claims process alone. You don’t even have to pay for a lawyer out of pocket. That’s because many car accident lawyers (including the ones on our staff) work on a contingency-fee basis. Here, injured claimants don’t pay retainers, hourly rates, or other associated legal fees. They only pay their lawyer for their time and efforts if their case succeeds.
When you partner with an attorney, they can:
Evaluate Your Losses
Before negotiating with the insurer, your personal injury lawyer Miami will evaluate your injury-related losses, which may include:
- Past, present, and future healthcare expenses
- Lost income, bonuses, tips, and commission
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Disability
- Scarring
Your lawyer can also calculate your damages if you’re filing a wrongful death claim. In that instance, compensable losses may include funeral costs, burial fees, and other related costs.
Determine What Constitutes a Fair Offer
After learning about your compensable damages, your Fort Myers car accident lawyer will determine what constitutes a fair settlement offer. They will take the following elements into account when determining what you deserve:
- The severity of your condition
- Your estimated recovery period
- The details of your accident
- Whether you lost a loved one
- The insurance policy’s details
- Who caused or contributed to the accident
There is no average settlement for car accident cases. How much you can recover depends on many aspects unique to your situation.
Send Your Demand Letter
Many insurance claims start with demand letters. This document will outline how much you’re owed, the severity of your condition, and other facts relevant to your case. Your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can write and send this letter to the insurer. Then, the insurer’s response will dictate what comes next. If the insurer agrees to pay what you need, your case ends. If not, your lawyer can negotiate.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a Free Case Review
Your personal injury attorney Florida can file your case within the appropriate deadline, negotiate a settlement, and even litigate your case in court, if necessary. To learn more about your legal options, Dial (954) 633-8270 today.
