Beware of Settling Too Quickly After a Car Accident

 Posted on March 15, 2017 in Personal Injury

DuPage County personal injury attorneyIf you have been injured in a car accident, the stress of the incident, dealing with your injuries and potentially a long recovery can all create problems for you and your family. But, what if red tape makes the situation even more difficult for you? This can happen when an insurance company of the party who caused your injuries attempts to settle your case for a sum that is far less than you need to put your life back on track. Insurance companies have a notorious reputation for making “lowball” offers to avoid litigation which could result in a greater payout for you.

Auto Accident Settlements

Car accidents can take many forms. In addition to the all-too-common head-on collision, rear-end or T-bone, car accidents can also be caused by drivers under the influence or those that are distracted. The increased use of cellphones has added another layer of danger to sharing the roads and highways, as some drivers refuse to put down their phones while behind the wheel.

If you are hurt in an accident and are in negotiations with the insurance adjuster from the other party, you would do well to remember that:

  • An insurance companies is not your friend: The adjuster for the other party’s insurance carrier is likely to make every effort to save his or her company money. He or she may essentially interrogate you and may not always treat you fairly or with due courtesy. An adjuster may also string you along and drag things out, possibly impeding your ability to file a legal action in a timely manner. A quick settlement may also force you to waive your rights to claim crash-related injuries that may have been delayed in presenting.
  • Your interests are not a priority: The insurance company’s goal is to diminish or minimize their loss and pay out the least amount possible. Representatives are trained to negotiate lower settlements based on a computer program’s algorithm and encourage you to take their first offer. The reality is that only time will reveal the full extent of your injuries, so do not be rushed into making a decision because you already have costly, immediate car and hospital bills.
  • Legal representation is your protection: A qualified personal injury lawyer will know how to navigate the system and will represent you and protect strive for your best interests. He or she will review any and all documentation associated with your case, and help you avoid making a serious mistake by settling too soon.

Call Our Office Today

If you have been injured in an auto accident and are being offered a settlement from an insurance company, an experienced DuPage County personal injury attorney can review the offer before you make any decisions. Call 630-920-8855 to schedule a free consultation at Martoccio & Martoccio today.

Sources:

http://finance.zacks.com/handling-lowball-initial-insurance-settlement-offer-10430.html

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Low-ball-offers-nothing-new-in-insurance-industry-1114731.php

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1249&ChapterID=22&SeqStart=46100000&SeqEnd=60100000

Share this post:

Recent Blog Posts

Categories

Archives

Free Initial Consultations

phone 630-920-8855
address15 North Lincoln Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Our firm handles family law and personal injury matters for clients in Chicago and throughout the western suburbs including DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, Cook County and the cities of Aurora, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Joliet, Kendall County, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Clarendon Hills, Oswego, Park Ridge, Roselle, St. Charles, Geneva, Villa Park, Warrenville, Wheaton, Western Springs, LaGrange, Winfield, Woodridge and Yorkville.

© 2024 Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio 15 North Lincoln Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-920-8855

OVC Lawyer Marketing

Share Your Experience

X