Five Reasons Why You Should Not Accept the Insurance Company’s Low Ball Offer
- Insurance Company Motivation: Low Dollars. Think about how insurance companies are profitable: they need to bring in more money from premiums than they pay out in settlements. Therefore, insurance companies’ low ball offer will probably be the lowest amount that seems reasonable. Insurance company representatives know how to sound convincing and fair. You might be tempted to accept the offer to be done with the hassle. But, it would be best if you didn’t settle so soon.
- Insurance Company Motivation: Fast Settlement. An insurance company might do the following:
- Couch their offer as if it has an expiration date, saying that the offer is good for a few hours (this is unlikely)
- Appeal to your practical side that they will send a check immediately so you can get on with your life. Remember that you are not hurting yourself by rejecting the first offer or what we called the Insurance Company’s lowball offer!
- The Risks of Settling Too Soon. The risks of settling a case too soon after an accident can cost you thousands of dollars because of the following:
- The first offer is just too low;
- You have not fully healed, so you don’t even know the extent of your injuries.
- Regardless of how an accident appears at first, fault can be complicated, so an evaluation takes time.
- The Insurance Company Expects You to Reject their First Low Ball Offer. When an insurance adjuster first evaluates your case, they have a settlement range in mind. As with any negotiation, they will start at the low end. If you accept, they consider it a win. But, likely, they expect you to reject the first offer and are prepared to negotiate.
You might communicate a counteroffer after the insurance company gives you its lowball first offer. What happens if they reject your counteroffer? Nothing! You can walk away from the negotiations and contact experienced personal injury lawyers to negotiate on your behalf. - A First Offer Doesn’t Include All Damages. An insurance company’s lowball offer will probably reimburse you for your out-of-pocket expenses. At first blush, that seems fair. But remember, the real costs of an accident are extensive. Waiting and evaluating will allow an accurate determination of medical costs and future expenses, such as:
Actual, current costs:- Medical treatment costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Vehicle damages
- Pain and suffering
- Other losses
Future costs:
- Surgery
- Medical treatment
- Physical therapy
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
Though you feel anxious to get a settlement check in hand quickly, being thoughtful will work to your advantage. This process allows you to get a second opinion from a lawyer.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Have the Upper Hand
Insurance companies have a team of lawyers and other experienced professionals to offer you a settlement. Create your own team of lawyers and experienced professionals at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to negotiate on your behalf.
Before Accepting Any Settlement Amount, Contact the Atlanta, Georgia Lawyers at CEO Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident and have been negotiating with your insurance company over your medical bills, contact the experienced personal injury and accident attorneys of Georgia at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. We will make sure you get the highest amount possible. We protect your interests. We can take over settlement discussions so you can focus on recovery.
