The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. While they may seem like your ally in getting the compensation you deserve, they don’t have your best interests at heart. In fact, most of them offer you a lowball settlement that falls far short of the value of your car accident claim.
But how can you tell if an insurer is trying to shortchange you? In this article, an experienced Cleveland car accident lawyer explains the five signs that indicate an insurer is offering you a lowball settlement on your car accident claim.
1. The Insurer Presses You to Accept the Offer Quickly
You’ve just received an offer from the insurance company for your car accident claim, and they’re urging you to accept it quickly. While their sense of urgency may seem reasonable at first, it’s essential to take a step back and consider why they’re pressuring you.
One possible reason is that insurers know that time can work against claimants. The longer you wait to accept a settlement, the more likely it is that additional evidence could emerge or your injuries could worsen. By pushing for a quick acceptance, they hope to catch you off guard before you have time to fully evaluate the offer.
Another tactic insurers employ is using subtle tactics to make accepting the offer seem like the only logical choice. They might emphasize potential delays in receiving payment or imply that this is their best and final offer. These pressure techniques can cloud your judgment and make it difficult for you to negotiate effectively.
Remember, settling too quickly without understanding the full extent of your damages could result in significant financial losses down the line. Seeking guidance from an experienced Cleveland car accident attorney can help level the playing field.
2. The Settlement Does Not Cover All Eligible Damages
Most offers made by insurance companies do not cover all your eligible damages. One common tactic used by insurers is to downplay or ignore certain types of damages that should be included in the settlement. For example, they may try to minimize the impact of emotional distress or pain and suffering that you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Another way insurers may attempt to undercut your claim is by undervaluing property damage. They might argue that repairs are unnecessary or that alternative options are more cost-effective, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses for necessary fixes.
Medical bills are often a significant part of an accident victim’s financial burden, yet insurers may try to reduce their responsibility by disputing certain treatments or arguing that they were unrelated to the accident. This can leave you struggling to cover medical costs on your own.
Lost wages due to missed work are another important factor in determining fair compensation. However, insurers often try to diminish this aspect by claiming insufficient evidence or questioning whether your injuries actually prevented you from working.
3. You Do Not Get a Detailed Explanation of the Structure of the Offer
When it comes to car accident claim settlements from an insurance company, it’s important to fully understand the structure of the offer. If you do not receive a detailed breakdown of the offer, this may be a sign that the insurer is lowballing your claim.
A fair offer includes explanations of what factors were considered with documentation to support the calculations. Without this information, you may not realize that certain damages or expenses have been excluded from the settlement amount.
This can leave you financially burdened down the line when unexpected costs arise. However, a skilled Cleveland car crash lawyer can help review your case and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
4. The Insurer Starts Questioning Your Injuries
One sign that an insurer may be offering you a lowball settlement is if they start questioning the severity or cause of your injuries. They may try to downplay your pain or suggest that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident. This tactic is often used as a way to devalue your claim.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to stay strong and seek support from a skilled attorney. They have experience dealing with insurance companies and can advocate on your behalf.
Your attorney will gather evidence such as medical records, expert opinions, witness statements, and any other relevant information to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
5. The Insurer Tells You that You Are Actually at Fault for the Accident
Finally, you are certainly getting a lowball offer when the insurer says they are ready to pay while trying to shift the blame onto you. If they really had a strong case against you, they would simply let you file your claim and deny it with solid proof.
In reality, in Ohio, you have the right to seek compensation even if you are partly at fault. As long as your percentage of fault is 50% or less, according to the comparative negligence principle, you have the legal right to file an insurance claim. However, your compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Nevertheless, remember that being told by an insurer that you are at fault doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. Don’t give up without a fight – seek legal advice from a skilled lawyer.
Let an Experienced Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Company!
Dealing with the insurance company after a car accident is a lost battle if you fight on your own. You are injured and in pain and they have an array of tactics to determine you to accept a lowball settlement or even walk away believing that you don’t have the right to seek compensation. An experienced Cleveland car accident attorney will not let this happen. They have extensive knowledge of personal injury laws and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Don’t let yourself become another victim of unfair settlements from insurance companies. Contact us today at 844-853-7373 for a free consultation!
