Picture this: you’re finally recovering from a car accident in Southern California. Maybe you were sideswiped on the 405 freeway near Santa Ana, or a distracted driver rear-ended you while you were stopped at a light in Bakersfield. You’re dealing with doctor’s appointments, car repairs, and the lingering pain from your injuries. To add insult to injury, you are slapped with a ridiculously low insurance settlement offer.
It’s a tactic insurance companies use all the time. They hope you’ll accept a low offer and go away. But you don’t have to play their game. This guide will show you how to fight back and get fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
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Why Do Insurance Companies Make Lowball Settlement Offers?
Insurance providers are in the business of making money. Minimizing payouts is one way they do it. They might try to offer you a lowball offer to protect their bottom line.
Insurance adjusters are skilled at downplaying your injuries or the damage to your vehicle. You probably won’t notice they’re doing it because they’ll offer you “just enough” to think that the amount is fair. The insurance company may even suggest that your injuries aren’t serious or that your car isn’t worth as much as you think. Don’t let them fool you!
What Should You Do If You Receive a Lowball Settlement Offer From Insurance?
- Do NOT Accept the First Offer: The first settlement offer for your car accident injury claim is almost always much lower than what you deserve. Think of it as their opening move in a negotiation; they are really tasked to make lowball offers for as long as they can get away with it.
- Understand Your Damages: Know the full extent of your damages before starting the claim process. This includes:
- Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills related to the accident.
- Lost wages: Income you lost because of your injuries.
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Gather Evidence: This is crucial to get a higher settlement. Keep records of:
- Medical records: All doctor’s visits, treatments, and diagnoses.
- Repair estimates: Quotes for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Pay stubs: Proof of your income.
- Photos and videos: Document the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Negotiate with the Insurance Company: Once you have a clear picture of your damages, you can start negotiating. Be prepared to provide evidence to support your claim and ask for more than their initial offer.
- Consider a Personal Injury Attorney: If you’re struggling to negotiate or feeling overwhelmed, an experienced personal injury attorney can be a powerful ally. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and shield you from a low insurance settlement offer. They can also file a lawsuit and take your case to court, if necessary.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
A personal injury lawyer with experience handling auto accident cases can be your advocate throughout the insurance claims process. They can:
- Investigate the accident: An attorney will evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts (ex. doctors, accident reconstructionists, etc.) to build a solid case.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: Attorneys have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and know how to get you the best possible settlement.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you before a judge.
Insurance companies know what it takes to protect their business, and they have teams of lawyers working for them. You deserve to have someone on your side too.
Lowball Settlement Offer From Insurance Companies: ¿Habla Español? Nagsasalita Ka Ba Ng Tagalog?
Dealing with a lowball settlement offer from insurance companies can be even more difficult if English is not your first language. In California, many residents speak Spanish or Filipino.
- ¿Necesita ayuda con un acuerdo bajo? (Need help with a low settlement?)
- Huwag mag-alala, makakatulong kami. (Don’t worry, we can help.)
- ¿No está seguro de qué hacer? (Not sure what to do?)
- May karapatan ka. (You have rights.)
Here’s what you can do:
- Request an interpreter: Ask the insurance company to provide an interpreter who speaks your language. This will help you understand the process and ensure your rights are protected.
- Seek legal help from attorneys who speak your language: The personal injury specialists at RTM Law, APC in California are fluent in Spanish and Filipino. We can explain your rights and options in a language you understand.
When Insurance Companies Make Lowball Offers: FAQs
Español
Q: ¿Qué debo hacer si la compañía de seguros me ofrece un acuerdo muy bajo? (What should I do if the insurance company offers me a very low settlement?)
A: No acepte la primera oferta. Reúna evidencia de sus daños, incluyendo facturas médicas, salarios perdidos y daños a la propiedad. Considere hablar con un abogado de lesiones personales que hable español.
Q: ¿Necesito un abogado para negociar con la compañía de seguros? (Do I need an auto accident lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company?)
A: No siempre es necesario, pero un abogado puede ayudarlo a comprender sus derechos y obtener la mejor compensación posible. Muchos abogados ofrecen consultas gratuitas.
Filipino / Tagalog
Q: Paano ko malalaman kung ang alok ng kompanya ng seguro ay mababa? (How do I know if the insurance company’s offer is low?)
A: Kailangan mong maunawaan ang lahat ng mga pinsalang nangyari sa iyo, kabilang ang mga gastos sa medikal, nawalang sahod, at nasirang ari-arian. Maaari kang kumunsulta sa isang abogado para sa tulong.
Q: Mayroon bang mga abogado na nagsasalita ng Filipino na makakatulong sa akin? (Are there lawyers who speak Filipino who can help me?)
A: Oo, maraming abogado sa California ang nagsasalita ng Tagalog. Maghanap ng abogado na dalubhasa sa mga aksidente at may karanasan sa pakikipag-ayos sa mga kompanya, tulad ng RTM Law.
Q: Does my visa status affect my right to compensation after a car accident?
A: No. Regardless of your visa status, you have the right to seek compensation in California if you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Read: Immigration Status and Personal Injury CA: Does Visa Status Matter When Pursuing an Accident Claim?
Low Insurance Settlement Offer: Get the Help You Deserve
Receiving a lowball settlement offer from insurance can be frustrating, but you don’t have to accept it. By understanding your rights, gathering evidence, and seeking legal help, you can fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’re dealing with a low insurance settlement offer after a car accident, RTM Law Firm can help. Our experienced car accident attorneys have a proven track record of success in getting our clients maximum compensation for injuries and other damages.We serve clients all over California, and offer a “no win, no fee” guarantee. Call us 24/7 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get back on your feet.
Do you need compassionate support and effective representation?
No fees until we win. Available 24/7.
