If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you are probably trying to concentrate on healing yourself so you can get back to your life. While you’re recovering, the insurance company may come to you with an offer. Even if you know that the offer is too low, it can be tempting to accept the offer so that you can take care of your medical bills and other expenses that you’ve accrued during recovery. But is this a smart move?
If the insurance company has made you an offer, here’s what you need to know to get the compensation you need.
What to Do If You Are Offered a Settlement
It’s a sad truth that after an injury from a car accident you might feel like you’re in a financial bind. You’ve got medical bills to worry about, and if your injuries prevent you from working, the purse strings could be getting pretty tight. That stress is exactly what the insurance company is depending on to save some money. They know that you’ve got a lot riding on your settlement, so they are going to test how desperate you are and offer you a settlement that is well below what they should pay. You might even receive a check in the mail. Whatever you do, don’t cash it as that could prevent you from seeking further damages.
It’s important that you realize that you don’t have to accept the first offer.
When to Accept an Insurance Claim Settlement
What many people don’t realize is that you shouldn’t accept an offer until all of your injuries are healed. It’s difficult to predict how much your medical bills are going to cost, especially if you require surgery or rehabilitation in the future. If you accept an insurance claim settlement before the extent of your injuries reveal themselves, you could be left with a hefty bill without the chance to recover those losses from the insurance company. With that said, it is critical to understand the Florida statute of limitations.
Insurance companies rely on a set of standards to come up with their settlement offers. These standards are based on typical accidents and injuries. However, your injuries may exceed these standards by a large amount. The insurance companies treat their settlement offers as one-size-fits-all when injuries are anything but. If your injuries are disabling, for example, you could be entitled to money for loss of enjoyment of life and other damages. When you accept an offer too early, you could be forfeiting this compensation.
Talk to an Attorney Before Accepting an Insurance Claim Settlement
Nobody expects to be injured in an accident, but if you are, don’t go through the process alone. Get the expert help that you need so that you can get the compensation you deserve and move on with your life.
At Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law, we will fight for you whether negotiating for a better settlement or representing you in court. Contact us today to discuss your case.
