Should You Accept the First Settlement Your Insurance Company Offers?
If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence in a traffic accident – or in any other kind of accident – you might be going through a difficult time and may not know where to turn. Injured accident victims can be vulnerable, and the insurance company involved is well aware of this fact. Before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company, it is always wise for you to first consult with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.
The Insurance Company’s Tactics
If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured, you are going to be dealing with an insurance company, and as such, there are some important points to remember, including:
- The insurance company is paid premiums to cover injuries like yours, but it is also a business and is motivated by large profits.
- In order to generate these profits, insurance companies are not above cutting corners by minimizing payouts and even by sometimes declining claims altogether if they can get away with it.
- The insurance company understands that you are likely drowning in medical bills and are, thus, far more likely to accept an early lowball settlement offer.
- The insurance company also knows that the longer it makes you wait for your settlement offer, the more desperate you are likely to become. The insurance company may stall the settlement process to encourage you to accept less than your case is worth.
Although the insurance company is paid to cover your damages, this does not mean that it is on your side or that it is motivated by your best interests. Never accept an insurance settlement offer until your dedicated personal injury attorney has counseled you carefully and you have a full understanding of its implications. An accepted settlement offer is final and is enforceable in court.
Know Your Losses
You’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, and you need just compensation in order to follow the path toward complete recovery. It’s important to recognize, however, that you may not know the full extent of your damages until considerable time has passed. Injuries can develop into more serious injuries and can also lead to secondary complications.
Before accepting a settlement from the insurance company, you need to have a clear understanding of exactly how serious your damages are and the impact your injuries are likely to have in your future. Once you sign that settlement offer, there is no going back and asking for compensation that actually covers your damages in their entirety. Never settle your claim until you are absolutely sure that all of your damages are covered.
Discuss Your Settlement Offer with An Experienced Cumming Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured by the negligence of someone else, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland are on your side – not the insurance company’s. Our legal team has the experience, commitment, and know how to fight the insurance company’s tactics in pursuit of the compensation you need to regain your health and well-being. We serve both Forsyth County and Cumming, and we invite you to please contact us online or call us at 770-887-1209 for more information today.