Being involved in a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. It’s easy to assume that your insurance company will have your best interest in mind and give you the full amount needed to cover any damages.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often opt to give lowball offers as paying out more money means less money for them. By recognizing the common signs, you can be better equipped to negotiate a fair settlement.
1. The Settlement Offer Comes Fast
When it comes to insurance claims, a quick offer may seem like a good thing, but it is likely a lowball figure. It’s important to remember that insurance claims require a lot of documentation, including medical bills, witness statements, police reports, and proof of damages. Adjusters who rush through this process are only interested in paying you as little as possible and often fail to consider the true impact the accident has had on your life.
2. You Feel Pressure to Accept
Insurance companies often prefer to communicate with injured individuals directly because it allows them to avoid dealing with attorneys and potentially reduces the chances of a lengthy negotiation.
In some cases, they may suggest that their initial offer, which may not necessarily be fair, is final. This approach can be overwhelming and potentially detrimental to the individual’s financial health. Additionally, insurance companies may also pressure you by saying that there is not enough time for an attorney. However, according to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a personal injury case. While that is not an extremely great length of time, it’s enough to work with a lawyer.
It is important to understand that patience and knowledge are essential when dealing with insurance companies, and seeking the help of an experienced attorney may be beneficial in ensuring a fair settlement.
3. Dismissive of Evidence
Insurance companies are looking for ways to avoid paying the compensation that you rightfully deserve. One of their tactics is to dismiss or ignore any evidence that points to their client’s liability for the accident.
By doing so, they can shift the blame onto you and pay you less compensation. This is why it’s important to collect evidence such as:
- Medical bills
- Photos of the accident
- Police statements
- And more
By having a strong set of evidence prepared, you can have a better chance of avoiding a low offer from insurance.
4. Lack of Explanation
It’s important to always ask how an insurance adjuster arrived at their offer, particularly when it comes to emotional damages. While economic damages, such as medical bills and car repairs, are generally straightforward, emotional losses are less tangible and therefore, more prone to being undervalued by adjusters.
Insurance companies may aim to save money on these types of damages, which is why it’s important to be diligent when negotiating a settlement. If the adjuster is unable to provide a clear explanation for their offer, it’s likely that they are trying to lowball you.
5. No Communication
If you’ve suddenly stopped hearing from your insurance company, it may not be for the innocent reason of being too busy or understaffed. Insurance adjusters can sometimes use silence as a tactic to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer.
As frustrating as it is to not receive responses to your calls or emails, it’s important to stay patient and persistent in your efforts to contact them. Don’t let their lack of communication make you feel trapped into paying more than you deserve. Keep in mind that you can negotiate and advocate for yourself in these situations.
Have Experienced Negotiation on Your Side
Dealing with insurance companies after an injury can be overwhelming and stressful. It’s understandable – you’re trying to take care of yourself and your personal life while also navigating the complicated process of filing a claim and negotiating with insurers.
That’s why it’s so important to have experienced personal injury attorneys on your side. The team at Reed Leeper, P.C. can investigate your case, understand your needs, and negotiate on your behalf. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve without the added stress and frustration of fighting insurance companies on your own.
