February 23, 2025
Receiving a lowball offer for your personal injury claim can be frustrating and overwhelming. Understanding the signs that indicate an unfair settlement can help you make informed decisions about your case. Here are 10 signs you've received a lowball offer for your North Carolina personal injury claim:
Insurance companies often rush to provide a settlement offer soon after an accident. This haste is usually a tactic to get you to accept a lower amount before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or the value of your claim.
If the insurance adjuster overlooks significant aspects of your injuries, such as pain and suffering, it’s a clear indication of a lowball offer. A fair settlement should consider both economic damages (like medical bills) and non-economic damages (like emotional distress).
Feeling pressured to accept an offer quickly is another red flag. Insurance companies want to settle before you have a complete understanding of your medical needs and potential long-term effects of your injuries.
If the insurance company fails to provide a clear explanation of how they calculated their offer, it’s likely they are trying to minimize what they owe you. A legitimate offer should come with detailed reasoning and documentation supporting its amount.
Insurance companies may attempt to downplay your injuries or blame them on pre-existing conditions. This tactic is unethical and serves to justify a low settlement offer.
Read: Personal Injury Car Accident Case Settlement Calculator
If the adjuster disregards critical evidence, such as medical records or witness statements that support your claim, this indicates they are not valuing your case properly.
If communication from the insurance company suddenly ceases after making an initial offer, they may be trying to pressure you into accepting their lowball figure out of frustration.
A lowball offer will often fail to cover all your current and future expenses related to the injury, including ongoing medical treatment and lost wages. If the amount seems insufficient, it probably is.
If you feel like you're being rushed into accepting an offer without sufficient time to consult with an attorney or consider all aspects of your case, it's a strong indicator that the offer is too low.
A fair settlement should account for the long-term impacts of your injury on your life, including potential future medical costs and loss of quality of life. If these factors are ignored, the offer is likely inadequate.
If you recognize any of these signs in your personal injury claim process, it's crucial not to accept any offers without consulting with a qualified attorney. Hall & Dixon can provide expert legal assistance in evaluating your claim and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Contact them for guidance tailored to your situation.
Read: Tripped over a parking stop (parking space concrete) and injured, can I sue?
