Insurance companies make money when they collect more in premiums than they pay in claims.  Their objective is to pay you the least amount of money possible.  The insurance company for the at-fault party will contact you shortly after the accident or incident and may try to pressure you into accepting a settlement.  The insurance company representative may be friendly or charming.  But remember that no matter how personable the representative is, the insurance company is looking out for its own interests, not yours.

It is difficult to conceive of any good reason to settle your case right after being injured.  And there are many good reasons not to settle right away.  The most important reason not to settle right away is that too early to know the full extent of your losses.  If you’ve been seriously injured, your lost wages and medical bills will continue to accumulate over time.  If you settle your case right away, you will not be able to re-open your case and get compensated for those on-going lost wages and medical bills.

Additionally, if you have been seriously injured, it is too early for your doctors to know the full extent of your injuries.  If your injuries do not heal with conservative treatment, it is possible you will need surgery.  You could have any number of complications in your recovery.  If your injuries are worse than expected, you cannot receive additional compensation if you already have settled your case.

The biggest component in your claim may be pain and suffering.  Imagine the difference between the pain and suffering you experience in the first week after the accident versus the pain and suffering you might experience over a lifetime if it turns out you will need surgery down the road and your doctor says your injuries are permanent.

The insurance company may imply that if you don’t settle your case right after the accident, you will lose the opportunity to make a claim.  That is not true.

When you are presented with an offer from the insurance company, you should not accept it right away, unless a legal deadline is about to run.  The insurance company is used to negotiating.  The adjuster ordinarily will not withdraw the offer if you ask for time to think about it.  Then, seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney.

Kline Law Offices P.C. offers a free consultation.  Request a free case evaluation or call attorney Rob Kline to discuss whether the insurance company’s offer is in your best interest, or theirs.