After you were injured and suffered financial loss in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may want to get compensation as fast as possible, which is understandable.
Sometimes, a simple case could mean you can swiftly obtain the necessary compensation. Yet sometimes, quick compensation may not be in your best interests. According to personal injury attorneys in Jacksonville, settling too early is a big mistake that may end up costing you.
Reasons Why You Should Never Settle Your Injury Claim Too Early
After you are injured in a personal injury accident caused by someone else’s reckless behavior or negligence, you are likely in the process of filing a claim. The adjuster you speak to might seem helpful, making you believe they are on your side, especially if they make you a quick settlement offer. Lead Los Angeles County personal injury attorney, Michael Ehline at Ehline Law Firm says: “LA insurance companies love it when you try and settle without hiring a lawyer.” He suggests getting a free legal consultation before settling with the insurance company or another party. Most car accident lawyers don’t charge for this attorney-client advice.
You might even be corresponding with the at-fault party’s insurance company. As medical bills are piling up and you might not be able to work during your recovery, the settlement offer may seem quite tempting. However, there are various reasons why you should never settle too early. Here are the dangers of fast settlements in personal injury claims.
You May Not Know How Severe Your Injuries Are
Determining the severity of your injuries early on can be difficult. For example, the effects of a head injury don’t always manifest right away. Trouble focusing, loss of balance, memory issues, or chronic headaches are all symptoms you might experience later on that will affect your work and everyday life.
Moreover, it’s possible that you’ll never fully heal from the injuries you suffered. That means that if you accept a low settlement early on, it may not cover the costs of your injuries. This is why determining the proper compensation in an injury claim takes some time. You need to determine your medical condition, how long it takes to heal, and if there are any long-lasting consequences.
You Lose Your Right to Sue
If you are signing off on a settlement agreement, you are also signing away your right to sue for the losses and injuries you sustained. That means that if you later realize that the amount you settle for is not enough to cover your injury costs, you cannot file a lawsuit. Before accepting a settlement offer, you have to ensure that the settlement will be enough to cover your injuries’ present and future costs, including lost wages and medical bills. Otherwise, you will end up footing the bills for someone else’s reckless behavior or negligence.
Your Personal Injury Case May Not Be Complete
Gathering evidence takes time. If you settle too fast, all the evidence in your case may not get revealed. Some evidence could make the difference between a low and high payout, so moving too fast may remove the chance of additional evidence coming to light. Do not just assume that the insurance adjuster’s initial offer is fair. Their job is to minimize losses for the insurance companies they represent, so their goal is to offer you as little as possible.
It’s essential to be aware of all your evidence. The insurance company hopes that you will be willing to accept whatever is offered in your vulnerable situation. But instead of accepting their initial offer, consult a personal injury attorney to help you gather evidence, build a solid case, and negotiate on your behalf.
You May Not Get the Compensation You Deserve
When pursuing a personal injury claim, it is vital to remember that your medical expenses are only one piece of the puzzle. It would help if you allowed time to determine the physical toll of your injuries and to account for your pain and suffering, present and future lost earnings or property damage. You will want these costs to be factored into your final settlement. If you accept a little compensation upfront, you could be missing out on other types of compensation that you rightfully deserve.
How to Seek a Fair Outcome
Every personal injury case is unique, and the settlement process needs a case-by-case approach. A fair outcome could depend significantly on the case and the personal injury attorneys. That is why when you are considering settlement offers, you should work closely with a personal injury lawyer to assess the strength of your case and advise you on the next steps. A personal injury lawyer will build a solid case increasing your chances of getting full compensation. The lawyer will take your case to court if you cannot settle with the insurance company.