Why Should I Reject an Insurer’s First Settlement Offer?

 Posted on February 12, 2025 in Car Accidents

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether it is a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian collision, you may be entitled to compensation. The personal injury claim process typically begins with filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s car insurance policy. Although you may think the insurer will pay you fairly, most insurance companies do everything possible to reduce your payout.

One of their favorite tricks is to offer a fast but intentionally low settlement. When you work with our skilled Oswego, IL personal injury attorney, we will calculate your eligible damages accurately and fight aggressively to see you collect as much as you deserve.

Why Should I Wait to Accept a Settlement Offer?

After an accident, you are probably experiencing significant financial strain due to your medical bills and time away from work. Your vehicle likely needs to be repaired or replaced. Although it is probably tempting to take the money now to pay your immediate bills, you could suffer long-term. After accepting a settlement, you cannot ask for more money later.

On September 20th, 2024, a local farmer was pulling a trailer filled with hay behind his truck when he noticed some of the bales were not secured properly. He pulled over to the roadside, turned his flashers on, and put a sign behind his trailer. As he was working between the trailer and rear of his pickup, a car rear-ended his trailer, pinning him. His legs were crushed in the accident, and one has since been amputated around the knee. By November 20th, he had undergone 13 surgeries and fought multiple infections as well as a blood clot affecting his lung, and he needed additional surgeries and rehabilitation.

In a situation like this, accepting a settlement offer before the full extent of injuries and related medical care is realized could be disastrous. When you can prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, your damages could include:

• Current and future medical care costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and necessary medical equipment

• Current and future lost income

• The expenses of vehicle and home modifications to accommodate a new disability

• Property damage

• Various forms of pain and suffering

Until your condition stabilizes, you cannot accurately predict all your related losses. Even then, if you do not know how to calculate your damages properly, you might still accept less than you should. This is why it is so important to work with a knowledgeable attorney. We know how to gather the evidence you need to support your claim, accurately place value on your losses, and fight the insurer’s reluctance to pay effectively.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Yorkville, IL Car Accident Lawyer

When an insurance company tries to diminish your claim, you do not have to fight alone. You can trust a dedicated Kendall County, IL personal injury attorney from Kendall County Injury Lawyers, a Division of Kanoski Bresney to fiercely advocate for your best interests while you recover. Take advantage of your free consultation to learn more about how we can help. Contact us online or call 888-826-8682 now.