Three Things To Know About Accepting The Insurance Company's First Settlement Offer
When you have been involved in a personal injury accident, it's quite tempting to accept the insurance company's first settlement offer. However, this can also be quite a mistake. Here are three things you should know about this:
The Insurance Company Doesn't Care What's Fair:
Remember that the insurance company works for the person who has caused the injury, which means they aren't looking to compensate you for the fairest amount, but instead to pay out the lowest amount possible. This means that their first settlement offer is likely significantly less than what you actually deserve. Besides, they are likely to persuade you into accepting it by going over their side of the case. It's important not to be swayed by this.
The Insurance Companies Use Computers to Determine the Amount:
To help fight against your own claim, the insurance company will use a computer to input the average cost for injuries suffered. The problem with this is that it's the average and it can differ significantly from your own specific situation. Keep this in mind because it will give you a better perspective as to how the insurance company works against you, not for you. In the end, you are the best person to determine what's fair by keeping medical records, going to doctor appointments, and keeping all bills related to your injury.
The Insurance Company is Better Dealt With a Personal Injury Lawyer:
Finally, it's best to hire a personal injury lawyer to help talk with the insurance company, especially if you are easily swayed. Remember, you don't want to accept the first settlement offer. Your lawyer will be sure that this does not happen. This is because they will be sure that they come back with a more fair amount for settlement and that the insurance company is aware that you are going to keep fighting until that amount is offered to you. Since most insurance companies do not want to go to court because it costs more money, they will likely settle for a higher amount in the end with the help of your lawyer working for you.
When you know these three things about the insurance company's first settlement offer, you can see why it's probably not something you want to accept in the end. You can also see why it's extremely beneficial to hire a personal injury lawyer when dealing with this type of situation.