Should I Take the Insurance Company’s Offer After an Accident?
You have been injured in an accident, and on top of dealing with the pain and agony of recovery, you are awash in medical bills, questions from your employer about when you will be back on the job, and unintelligible paperwork from the insurance company. They are making an offer to you, but you really do not know if it is in your best interest to accept. It feels like you are just slogging through day-to-day, and you really cannot focus on decision-making properly. What now?
Insurance Company Goals
First of all, recognize that you do not have to go through this alone. At Gibbs & Fuerst, LLP, our personal injury attorneys understand aspects of accidents and offers that a layman may not. Having us on your team as you maneuver forward can result in a better outcome for you. That is because, first and foremost, an insurance company is a business. They are there to make money. Their underwriting—the amount paid out in claims—is a principal factor in their profits—and they typically make a substantial profit. One company made nearly $260 million in profits in just the first quarter of 2022, for example—a 13% rise from the previous year. Another saw a 21 percent increase in the first quarter, with a total of nearly $850 million. How do they make this kind of money? One important way is by settling out payments with the lowest dollar amount possible. That means coming in with bare bones offers right off the bat in many instances. So, should you accept the initial offer from an insurance company? Absolutely not!
Settling a Personal Injury Claim
Negotiation is the name of the game when it comes to personal injury claims. At Gibbs & Fuerst, LLP, our experienced claim attorneys will draft a structured demand letter on your behalf and provide the supporting documents necessary to make a strong case for a significant payout. No doubt, the claims adjuster at the insurance company will try to poke holes in our case, but we are prepared to fight for the best possible outcomes throughout the negotiation process.
What is the Process Ahead?
Here is what to expect as you move forward:
- Attorneys from both sides will investigate and negotiate;
- You will be prepared for and participate in a deposition where you answer questions about the accident and its impact;
- You either agree to a settlement (nine out of ten cases do so) or go to trial, where you testify;
Getting the Settlement You Deserve in Temecula
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to damages to address your medical bills, lost wages, and more. To discuss the possibilities, schedule a free, confidential consultation with the Temecula Personal Injury Attorneys at Gibbs & Fuerst today.