After you have been involved in a car accident, the insurance company will call you with a settlement offer. On the surface, it might seem like good news: quick money to fix your car, pay some bills, and move on. But don’t jump too fast. That first offer is rarely the whole picture. Insurance companies are not in the business of handing out more than they have to.
They’re trying to close the case as cheaply and quickly as possible. That means the amount they are offering might look good at first, but it could leave you paying out of pocket later on if your injuries get worse or if new problems show up. Most people don’t know how to put a number on all the losses they have had after a car accident.
You typically have to include the old hospital bills, future medical care, missed work, ongoing pain, emotional distress, and anything else the accident has taken from you. This kind of calculation is not easy to do on your own. This is why you should consult a legal professional for car accidents who will know what to look for.
When you work with personal injury lawyers, they will go through every detail and make sure nothing gets left out. If the company refuses to offer a fair amount, lawyers can help you take the next steps, including filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Now, on your own part, here are the things you need to do:
Keep a Record of Every Medical Expense
You should hold on to every receipt, every prescription, and every doctor’s note. Keep track of how many days you had to miss work and how your injuries affect your ability to move around, sleep, or even get through the day.
All of this would eventually be evidence that shows what you have lost and what it is going to cost you to get back to normal. Without these records, it is easy for the insurance company to lowball you.
Don’t Deal with the Insurance Adjuster Alone
This part is important. The person calling you from the insurance company is not your friend. They may sound polite or understanding, but their job is to save the company money. They are trained to ask questions that can lead you to say things that weaken your case. Even casual things you say can be used against you.
It is better not to speak to them directly at all. Once you get an offer, or even before that, talk to a lawyer who works on car accident cases. A good lawyer will know what your case is really worth and how to push back against unfair offers. They will handle the conversations with the insurance company so you don’t get tricked into saying something that hurts your claim.
Don’t Let Pressure Push You Into a Bad Decision
Sometimes, the insurance company will make it sound like their offer is only good for a short time. They might say things like, “This is the best we can do,” or “You need to decide quickly.” But that is just another tactic to pressure you. You are allowed to take your time. You are allowed to get help. And you are allowed to say no if the offer doesn’t feel right.
A settlement is a serious decision. Once you accept, there is no going back. So do not let anyone rush you. Get the facts, get advice, and make sure the amount they are offering actually covers everything you are dealing with, not just now but in the future, too.
