Signs The At-fault Party’s Insurance Company Is Lowballing You
If you suffered injuries in a Florida accident because of another party’s negligence, you deserve to receive the maximum compensation possible. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not in the business of paying out the maximum compensation possible to personal injury victims. The at-fault party’s insurance company is in the business of making money. Before you accept a settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company, you need to make sure that it is not a lowball one. A lowball offer is one that is much lower than what you deserve. Insurance companies always try to settle for as little as possible. But how do you know if an insurance company is lowballing you? The following are some of the signs that the at-fault party’s insurance company is lowballing you.
Sign #1: The Settlement Offer Came Too Soon
The insurance company might approach you with a settlement offer hours or days after your accident with the hope that you will accept the offer before you fully understand the nature of your injuries and damages. Insurance companies offer personal injury victims quick settlement offers to prevent them from researching the accident. If you cannot go to work and are struggling with medical expenses, it might be tempting to accept a quick offer from the insurance company. However, it is in your best interest to avoid taking a fast settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company before speaking to your attorney.
Sign #2: The Insurance Company Is Pressuring You To Accept the Offer
Apart from offering quick settlement offers, insurance companies also try to push personal injury victims to settle fast before they have had time to consult with an attorney. The insurance company might tell you that you don’t have time to consult an attorney. Also, the insurance company might tell you that the offer on the table is the highest you will get. Do not fall for that. There is always room for negotiation. The truth is that the at-fault party’s insurance company does not want you to hire an attorney who will help you negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
If an insurance adjuster says you don’t have time to consult an attorney, remind them that according to Florida law, you have four years to file a personal injury claim.
Sign #3: The Insurance Company Fails To Consider All the Evidence
It is a major red flag when the at-fault party’s insurance company fails to consider all the relevant evidence you have. For example, if the insurance company writes off certain witness statements and photos as irrelevant, even though that is not the case, that is a red flag. The insurance company knows that the evidence will work in your favor and is trying to minimize your claim.
Sign #4: The Insurance Company Refuses To Explain the Calculations
After receiving a settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company, you have the right to ask the insurance company to explain how it arrived at the figure being offered, especially for non-economic damages. If, after making this request, the insurance company seems uncooperative, it is likely trying to offer you less than you deserve.
Legal Help Is Available
Our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve in your personal injury claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Tampa, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Orlando, and Ocala areas.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
