Table of Contents
- Why Insurance Companies Make Low Settlement Offers
- How to Know if Your Settlement Is Too Low
- What Your Injury Claim May Be Worth
- Steps to Fight a Low Insurance Settlement
- Why You Should Not Rush to Accept an Offer
- Talk to MAS Law About Your Injury Claim
If an insurance company has offered you a settlement that does not fairly cover your injuries and losses, you do not have to accept it. Insurance companies are businesses, and their initial settlement offers may not reflect the full value of your personal injury claim.
2.42 million people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2024. After an accident, you may be dealing with medical bills, lost income, pain, and other unexpected expenses. Before accepting an insurance settlement, it is important to understand what your claim may be worth and whether the offer accounts for all of your damages.
Why Insurance Companies Make Low Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often try to resolve injury claims for as little money as possible. A low initial offer does not necessarily mean that is all your claim is worth.
An insurance company may make a low offer because:
- Your injuries have not been fully documented
- You have not completed medical treatment
- The adjuster questions the severity of your injuries
- The insurer disputes who was at fault
- Some of your losses were not included in the calculation
- The insurance company believes you will accept a quick payment
Insurance adjusters review claims from the perspective of the insurance company. Their goal is not necessarily to maximize the amount you receive.
How to Know if Your Settlement Is Too Low
It can be difficult to determine whether an insurance settlement is fair without understanding the full extent of your damages.
A settlement may be too low if it does not adequately account for:
Medical Expenses
Your claim may include medical expenses related to the accident, including emergency treatment, hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and other necessary care.
If you are still receiving treatment, it may be difficult to know the full cost of your medical care.
Lost Income
If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Depending on the circumstances, your claim may also involve future income you may lose because of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
An accident can cause more than financial losses. Serious injuries can result in physical pain, emotional distress, limitations on your daily activities, and a reduced quality of life.
These losses may also be considered when determining the value of a personal injury claim.
Future Medical Care
Some injuries require ongoing treatment or additional procedures. A settlement should take future medical needs into consideration when they can be reasonably established.
Steps to Fight a Low Insurance Settlement
If you believe an insurance company is offering less than your claim is worth, there are several steps you can take.
Do Not Immediately Accept the Offer
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally cannot go back and ask the insurance company for more money later.
Before accepting an offer:
- Review the settlement carefully
- Make sure all known damages have been considered
- Determine whether you are finished receiving medical treatment
- Understand what rights you may be giving up
Do not feel pressured to accept an offer simply because the insurance company says it is their final offer.
Gather Documentation
Strong documentation can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and financial losses. Keep copies of:
- Medical records and bills
- Prescription and treatment information
- Pay stubs or other proof of lost income
- Photographs of your injuries and property damage
- Accident reports
- Insurance correspondence
- Information about ongoing medical treatment
The more complete the documentation, the easier it may be to demonstrate why the original offer does not adequately compensate you.
Explain Why the Offer Is Too Low
A settlement demand should be supported by evidence rather than simply stating that you want more money.
Your documentation may show that the insurance company's offer fails to account for medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, pain and suffering, or other damages.
Be Careful What You Say to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may ask questions about the accident and your injuries. Be truthful, but avoid making statements that minimize your injuries or speculate about what happened.
For example, telling an adjuster that you are "feeling fine" when you are still experiencing pain could later be used to argue that your injuries were not serious.
Why You Should Not Rush to Accept an Offer
Insurance companies may contact accident victims quickly because they know that people often need money after an accident.
However, a fast settlement is not necessarily a fair settlement.
Some injuries become more apparent over time. You may also discover that your recovery takes longer than initially expected or that you need additional medical treatment.
Before settling your claim, it is important to understand the extent of your injuries and the damages you may be entitled to recover.
Talk to MAS Law About Your Injury Claim
If an insurance company has offered you a settlement that does not fairly compensate you for your injuries, you may have options. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the offer, evaluate your damages, and help determine whether the insurance company's valuation is reasonable.
MAS Law has served the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over 25 years, helping clients recover the MAXimum compensation they deserve after accidents and injuries. Founded by Sean Modjarrad, the firm brings more than 100 years of combined legal experience handling personal injury cases. Our legal team is available 24/7 in English, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, with virtual consultations available to fit your schedule.
If you believe an insurance company has lowballed your injury claim, contact MAS Law online or call (866) 328-8433 today to discuss what happened and talk about your case.
.2512160629105.png)