If you suffered an accident due to someone’s negligence, your first recourse is filing a claim with your insurance company. And you are happy when they decide to make you an offer. However, before accepting it, let a Hollywood personal injury lawyer examine the facts of your case and the proposed settlement.
Here are some of the reasons why you should not accept the first offer from your insurance company:
You Are Still in a Vulnerable Condition after Your Accident
Insurance adjusters know that injured people are both physically and emotionally vulnerable immediately after the accident. They are not fully aware of the implications of the incident on their health and future.
This is why insurers often hurry up to settle a newly opened claim. They know that, once you’ve accepted the deal, you have no other legal recourse when you realize that it does not cover your damages.
You Do Not Know If You Will Make a Full Recovery
Some injuries appear to heal well, but end up leaving you with a disability or impairment. In other cases, a pre-existing condition makes the injury difficult to heal and likely to require ongoing treatment.
This is why personal injury attorneys always wait until their client reaches maximum medical improvement before sending the demand letter. They want to discuss with the treating physician to determine if they need to calculate damages for:
- Future medical care costs
- Costs with nursing care
- Costs with assistive devices (wheelchair, prosthetic limbs, walking frames)
- Loss of earning capacity
You Haven’t Factored Non-Economic Damages
Many people are not aware that they are entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. This is a form of compensation under personal injury law, which covers:
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- PTSD
- Loss of quality of life
If you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall accident or in other manner due to someone’s negligence, consult with a Hollywood personal injury lawyer to understand all your recovery rights.
You May Not Be Aware of Other Recovery Options
Once you’ve accepted an insurer’s offer, you will most definitely not discuss your personal injury case with an attorney. This means that you won’t have the chance to have an experienced professional examine the circumstances of your case and find out that you may get compensation from other sources.
For example, some drivers are still not aware that the new comparative negligence statute in Florida allows them to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company, as well. Before March 2023, this was possible only in specific circumstances.
Now, as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the crash, you have this right.
Your Insurance Company Will Continue Taking Advantage of You
Finally, by taking the first offer, you send a message to your insurer: you will not put up a fight for your rights and you may not even be aware of them. As ruthless, for-profit businesses, these companies will not miss the chance to saddle you with increased premiums, and even make it harder for you to file a claim in the future.
Talk to a Hollywood Personal Injury Lawyer before Accepting a Settlement!
Insurance companies do not want you to talk to a legal professional, because you will suddenly realize how small their offer is compared to your eligible damages. This is exactly why you should consult with an experienced Hollywood personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
At Klotzman Law Firm, we will analyze your evidence carefully, give you a reliable legal opinion and represent you on a contingency fee basis if you have a valid claim.
Call us today at 954-787-1583 to schedule a free case evaluation!
