If you are seriously injured in a car accident, costs can quickly add up. Medical bills, vehicle repairs or replacement, and other expenses, combined with lost wages if you cannot return to work, can be financially devastating. A successful personal injury claim ensures you recover the compensation you deserve. However, insurance companies often present an initial offer that may seem generous but rarely accounts for total damages—especially if you require ongoing medical care.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate the settlement you truly deserve.
Strategies Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Payouts
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to maximize profits. To reduce payouts, they often employ tactics that can limit your settlement:
- Lowball Offers: Adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly, often presenting an initial offer within days of the accident. Victims, overwhelmed and stressed, may accept these offers thinking they are fair. Unfortunately, initial offers rarely cover long-term care, pain and suffering, or future lost wages.
- Recorded Statements: Insurers may request a recorded statement soon after the accident. Adjusters can use your words to downplay injuries and justify a lower settlement. It is advisable to decline such statements until you consult a lawyer.
- Delaying Claims: Some insurers intentionally delay the claims process to pressure victims into accepting less than they deserve.
- Broad Medical Authorizations: Signing a broad medical release allows insurers access to your entire medical history. They may use unrelated pre-existing conditions to reduce or deny your claim.
- Shifting blame: Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, which bars recovery if you are even partially at fault. Insurers may attempt to assign blame to minimize payouts.
Why You Should Avoid Accepting the First Offer
Receiving an initial settlement offer can be tempting, especially when bills start accumulating. However, accepting too soon can prevent you from recovering the full compensation you deserve. Key reasons to avoid the first offer include:
- Incomplete Recovery: Injuries can take weeks, months, or longer to fully heal. Serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, may require ongoing care. Initial offers rarely account for future medical costs or long-term disability.
- Uncertain Claim Value: Early in a personal injury claim, you may not know the full value of your damages. Legal guidance helps assess all economic and non-economic losses, including medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Lack of Legal Representation: Without a lawyer, insurance companies may aggressively encourage you to accept an offer that benefits them rather than you.
How a Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Settlement
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation. Benefits of legal representation include:
- Accurate Claim Valuation: Lawyers can evaluate medical expenses, ongoing care, lost wages, and pain and suffering to determine the full value of your claim.
- Negotiation: Attorneys negotiate with insurance companies to counter lowball offers and pursue maximum compensation.
- Litigation if Necessary: If insurers refuse a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal® Protect Your Interests
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, contacting a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer at Anchor Legal® as soon as possible is crucial. With experienced representation, you can focus on recovery while ensuring your financial future is protected. Call us at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our Virginia Beach office serves clients throughout the surrounding areas.