After an accident, the road to recovery can be long and arduous. Medical bills pile up, lost wages create financial strain, and the emotional toll can be immense. In these trying times, insurance companies often swoop in with what seems like a quick and easy solution: a settlement offer. However, these initial offers are frequently “lowball” offers, designed to minimize the insurer’s payout and leave you with far less compensation than you deserve.

As an experienced personal injury attorney with over 30 years of practice at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, I’ve seen countless clients tempted by these seemingly convenient offers. However, I firmly believe that no one should Don’t Settle for Less – Fight for Fair Compensation than their case is truly worth. This blog post will explore the tactics insurance companies use, empower you to recognize a lowball offer, and guide you on how to fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

The Tactics of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line. When it comes to personal injury claims, this often translates to minimizing payouts. To achieve this, they employ various tactics, including:

• Early Contact: Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident, when you’re still vulnerable and possibly unaware of the full extent of your injuries and losses. They may try to get you to make a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement before you have a chance to consult with an attorney.
• Downplaying Your Injuries: Adjusters may attempt to minimize the severity of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing conditions.
• Blaming You for the Accident: Even if you were not at fault, the adjuster may try to shift some of the blame onto you, reducing the amount they are willing to offer.
• Delaying Tactics: The insurance company may drag out the claims process, hoping you’ll become desperate and accept a lowball offer.

Recognizing a Lowball Settlement Offer

How can you tell if an offer is a lowball? Here are some red flags:

• The Offer Comes Too Soon: If you receive an offer shortly after the accident, before you’ve had a chance to fully assess your injuries and losses, it’s likely a lowball offer.
• The Offer Doesn’t Cover All Your Damages: A fair settlement should cover all your economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future losses. If the offer doesn’t adequately address all these aspects, it’s likely insufficient.
• The Adjuster Pressures You to Accept: If the adjuster is using high-pressure tactics or trying to rush you into accepting the offer, it’s a sign that they’re worried you’ll realize its true value.

Statistics on Lowball Settlement Offers

• According to a study by the Insurance Research Council, the average insurance payout for bodily injury claims increased by 4.8% in 2021. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that insurance companies are offering fairer settlements. Inflation and rising medical costs may be contributing factors to the increase.
• Another study found that people who hire an attorney receive settlements that are, on average, 3.5 times higher than those who represent themselves. This highlights the importance of having experienced legal representation to fight for fair compensation.

Fighting for Fair Compensation

If you believe you’ve received a lowball offer, don’t despair. Here are some steps you can take to fight for the compensation you deserve:

1. Consult with an Attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, calculate the true value of your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect all evidence related to your accident and injuries, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos or videos of the scene.
3. Calculate Your Damages: Work with your attorney to calculate the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages.
4. Negotiate with the Insurance Company: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.
5. Be Prepared to Go to Trial: While most personal injury cases are settled out of court, it’s important to be prepared to go to trial if necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the litigation process and fight for your rights in court.

Don’t Settle for Less

Remember, you have the right to fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you with lowball settlement offers. By understanding their tactics, recognizing a lowball offer, and seeking experienced legal representation, you can fight for the justice you deserve. If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We have offices in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, and are committed to helping injured individuals obtain the compensation they need to rebuild their lives