If you were injured in a personal injury incident in Texas, you may have the right to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. When you receive a settlement offer from the insurance company, you might be relieved and even appreciative. However, insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements, hoping that the injured party will accept whatever crumbs they offer. Here are some signs that you may have received a lowball settlement offer and need an experienced personal injury legal professional in San Antonio to negotiate for a more favorable outcome.
You Receive the Settlement Offer Quickly
One tactic that insurance companies often use is to offer a quick first settlement. They hope that you will take the offer before you have a chance to hire a lawyer or determine the long-term consequences of your injury.
They Question Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters may try to question whether you were as seriously injured as you have reported. This is usually not because they have any doubt as to the veracity of your claims. Instead, it is because they are looking for any excuse to limit your compensation. They may even try to get you to sign medical release forms to find old conditions to blame your current injuries on.
They Are Aggressive
Insurance adjusters may use high-pressure techniques, such as stating that the offer is the “best and final” or giving you a very short time to accept the offer before they rescind it. Just as people should reject claims on investments that require an “act-fast” response, they should usually ignore offers that come with an unrealistic deadline to accept.
They Don’t Account for Future Losses
Many accident victims only consider the short-term and immediate losses associated with the accident. Many just want their medical bills paid. However, accident victims have the right to recover compensation for all of the damages, including future projected losses, such as a reduced earning capacity or future pain and suffering.
They Claim Their Offer Is Generous
Some insurance adjusters may try to convince you that you’re getting a fair offer. If the adjuster is trying to provide justifications for the offer, this is a warning sign that the offer might not be as high as the adjuster reasonably believes it should be.
They Don’t Provide a Rationale
If the offer or the math to determine its value is not outlined, or the insurance company makes an offer without providing any rationale for this figure, this could be another sign that the offer is a lowball one. Economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are relatively straightforward to calculate. There should also be some compensation provided for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
They Tell You That You Don’t Need a Lawyer
Suppose the insurance adjuster starts talking about how a San Antonio auto accident lawyer will just cost you money, that there’s no time to consult an attorney, or that an attorney isn’t necessary. In that case, this is also a hint that you’re receiving a lowball settlement offer and that you need an attorney. Personal injury settlements are negotiable, and you need a strong negotiator in your corner who will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.