Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving you with injuries, emotional distress, and medical expenses. In the aftermath, you may be approached by insurance companies offering a quick settlement. At first glance, these offers can appear tempting. They usually offer a decent amount of money with no need to go through negotiations. What do you really have to lose?
Unfortunately, it’s generally not a good idea to take the first offer you receive. While the insurance companies might seem polite and helpful, they’re not on your side. Instead, they are responsible for settling cases for as little money as possible to protect the company’s bottom line. This means that to get what you really deserve, you’ll have to take things a step further and meet with a car accident attorney in Jacksonville.
When you work with The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, you get a team of people that are on your side and who understand the laws in Florida. We work for you and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve to pay your medical bills, cover missed work, and more. Below is more information about why you should seek legal advice before accepting a car accident claim.
Why You Shouldn’t Accept Your First Offer
There are several reasons why you should avoid accepting the first offer from the insurance companies:
- Insurance companies don’t always have your best interests in mind. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line. As a result, their settlement is likely to be far lower than what you are actually entitled to.
- You may not be aware of all your rights. Florida’s car accident laws are complex, and without legal guidance, you may not be aware of the options available to you. For instance, Florida operates under a “no-fault” insurance system, which can complicate the process. You may be entitled to compensation from your own insurance company, as well as the driver who is at fault.
- You may have injuries that aren’t yet apparent. Not all injuries are obvious when the accident occurs. It can take time for injuries to manifest, or you may not have noticed how serious an injury is. If you settle too quickly, you forfeit your right to seek additional compensation later.
- You may be entitled to more than you think. Fair car accident settlements don’t just cover the immediate effects; they also cover future costs such as ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages. It should also account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disruption to your quality of life.
- There’s only one chance to settle. Once you accept a settlement, you’re typically waiving your right to pursue any further compensation related to the accident. This means that you can’t go back and ask for more money if there are lingering issues. Therefore, you want to make your settlement as comprehensive as possible.
What Are Some Tactics That Insurance Companies Use?
How do you know if the insurance companies are offering you a lower settlement than what you deserve? Here are some of the strategies they use:
- Making early settlement offers to prevent victims from realizing the full range of their injuries, losses, and expenses.
- Requesting a recorded statement. Don’t agree to this, as it can hurt your case rather than help it.
- Downplaying the injuries you sustained, essentially claiming that they aren’t as serious as they may be.
- Undervaluing your losses, refusing to cover some of what you need.
- Employing bad faith practices, such as pressuring you to accept the settlement offer.
If you see the insurance companies using these strategies, no matter how “nice” they may seem, it’s likely that they are lowballing your offer. It is your right to seek legal advice through a personal injury attorney in Florida and ensure that you are getting everything you deserve.
Options for Seeking Compensation After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, FL
You have several options following a car accident, depending on your circumstances. Since Florida is a no-fault state, you may turn to your policy first. But you can also file claims based on the at-fault driver’s auto liability policy to recover all fair compensation.
If you have a case that’s worth pursuing (chances are you do if the insurance companies are making a settlement offer), you can hire an attorney to move ahead with gathering evidence, demanding appropriate compensation, and negotiating a fair settlement. Schedule your consultation with The Law Offices of Ron Sholes and get the right people on your side, working for you!