How To Reject and Counter a Low Settlement Offer in a Personal Injury Claim
Getting hurt in an accident is an overwhelming experience that no one wants to deal with. The aftermath can be just as stressful, trying to deal with medical expenses and insurance claims. You may get an initial offer from the insurance company that feels far too low, and it doesn’t cover all of your losses.
Signs a Settlement Offer Is Too Low
Sometimes, a settlement offer sounds appealing at first, especially if bills are piling up. But it’s important to look for warning signs that the amount isn’t fair. If the offer doesn’t cover all your medical expenses, that’s one sign it might be too low. Future treatment also has to be considered before you can determine if the offer is fair or not.
If the settlement ignores costs for procedures, rehabilitation, or care you may still need, it shortchanges you. Lost income is often overlooked in a first offer as well. If you miss work or can’t do your job like before, you should be compensated appropriately. Some offers also don’t take into account the emotional injuries you’re dealing with. If you find yourself noticing any of these scenarios, you should consider rejecting the offer and countering it with the help of your Roseville injury attorney.
How To Reject and Counter the Offer
If you receive a settlement offer that’s too low, you don’t have to accept it. You have the right to push back. Here’s what to do:
Review the Offer Carefully
Start by reading the offer letter or document line by line. Make sure you know what’s being offered and what’s missing. Don’t just look at the final number they’re offering you; make sure you know why they’re offering you that specific amount.
Compare the Offer to Your Damages
Make a list of everything the accident has cost you and may continue to cost you in the future. Figure out how the offer compares to your actual losses.
Gather Supporting Evidence
You want to provide legitimate types of evidence that the offer is too low and doesn’t cover your losses. This includes medical records and bills, proof of lost wages (pay stubs, tax returns), written opinions from medical specialists, photos of your injuries, and anything else that shows what you’ve lost and will continue to lose in the future.
Submit a Counteroffer
Let the insurance company know why you think their number is too low and provide them with evidence. Make sure the new number reflects the true costs of your injuries. This should usually be done in writing.
Be Prepared for Multiple Rounds of Negotiation
The insurance company will often come back to your counter with their own counter. Make sure you’re prepared to go through multiple rounds of back-and-forth with them.
While this negotiation is something you can technically do on your own, the most effective way to reject the offer and try to get a higher counteroffer accepted is to work with an experienced Roseville accident attorney. They know how insurance companies operate and are aware of the tactics they use to try to downplay injury claims.
Most insurance companies automatically take your claim more seriously when you’re working with a lawyer. If you have questions or need help moving forward, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.