After people in Georgia are injured in car accidents because of someone else’s negligence, they will likely be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurance company shortly after the company learns about their injuries. In some cases, the insurance company will extend an early settlement offer that might seem too low. People should recognize that insurance companies sometimes make unreasonably low settlement offers and be careful when they receive them.
Why insurance companies offer low settlements
Insurance companies are focused on earning profits, and they frequently engage in a variety of tactics to try to reduce the amounts that they might have to pay after an injury accident. One of the common tactics is to send a low settlement offer to a victim soon after an accident. Insurance companies do this for two main reasons. They might hope that the victims will accept the early offer instead of pursuing additional compensation. If the victims accept the early offer, they will not be able to seek additional compensation later to cover their losses. The second reason why insurance companies make unreasonably low settlement offers is to try to convince the victims that their claims are worth much less than they are.
What to do when a settlement offer is too low
If you receive a settlement offer that appears to be too low, you should not immediately accept it. Instead, take some time to analyze the offer by reviewing the information that the company has received. Consider whether you might have contributed to your accident’s cause. You can then send a written response to the company, detailing how the accident and your injuries have impacted your life, your relationships, and your ability to work. You should then make a counteroffer and be prepared to take the company to court if you are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution.
People who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents may want to get help from experienced personal injury lawyers to negotiate with the insurance companies. Lawyers may review the evidence and properly value the claim. This might help the victims to understand what their claims may be worth so that they can determine whether an offer is reasonable. A lawyer might handle all of the negotiations to try to secure a fair settlement for his or her client.
