If you were injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you are likely in the process of filing a personal injury claim and you might even be corresponding with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster you speak to might seem helpful and you might even believe he or she is on your side, especially if a settlement offer is quickly made. If you are suffering from particularly severe injuries, the medical bills might be piling up and you might not even be able to work during this period of recovery, which could make a settlement offer seem quite tempting. However, settling too early is a big mistake that could end up costing you.
Below is a list of reasons why you should never settle your personal injury claim too early:
- You might not know how severe your injuries are: It can be difficult to determine the severity of an injury early on. For example, the effects of a brain injury do not always manifest right away. Chronic headaches, loss of balance memory issues, and trouble focusing are all symptoms an injured person might experience later on. It is possible that you might never even fully heal from the injuries you sustained, so if you accept a low offer early on, it will not even begin to cover the costs of your injury.
- You lose your right to sue: Once you sign off on a settlement agreement, you are also essentially signing away your right to sue for the injuries you sustained. This means that if you later realize that the sum you settled for is not enough to cover the costs of your injury, you cannot file a lawsuit in the future. Before you consider accepting a settlement offer, make sure the amount that is being proposed will be enough to cover the present and future costs of your injuries, including your medical bills and lost wages. Otherwise, you will end up footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.
- It will not be their first offer: Yes, the insurance adjuster is hoping that it will be easy to prey on you during this difficult and vulnerable time, and that you will accept the first offer, but the adjuster is also aware that this will likely serve as the jumping off point for negotiations, especially if you are being represented by an attorney. If you are afraid that this initial offer will be the only one the insurance company ever makes, you can rest assured that there might be more offers made later on as your lawyer negotiates on your behalf. There is no reason for you to accept the first low ball offer the adjuster makes, so be patient and let your attorney handle the situation.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Oneonta County
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent or careless actions, you should not suffer in silence. You have a right to pursue compensation. At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC in Oneonta County, our skilled team of personal injury attorneys is backed by decades of collective legal experience and a history of successful results. We understand the serious impact that an accident can have on a person’s life, which is why we are dedicated to fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Let us be your voice and stand up against the insurance company to ensure you get the help you deserve, so you can get back on your feet.
Get started on your personal injury lawsuit today and contact our law firm at (607) 228-8404 to request a complimentary case review with one of our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys.