If you have been involved in a car accident, you are already dealing with many challenges, and the last thing you need is the insurance provider trying to lowball you. Unfortunately, this is a widespread occurrence. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and usually try to settle as cheaply as possible to save their company money. However, this does not mean you must take the low settlement offer.
Having a good lawyer by your side can help you in times like these. Your lawyer can help you negotiate the settlement and will also help deal with the insurance companies. Check out this website to know more.
How to know that the insurance company is trying to underpay your claim?
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The settlement offer comes way too quickly.
On average, a settlement negotiation may take four to six weeks. Some complex cases may even take three to six months. If a settlement offer comes too fast, they are likely trying to rush or lowball you so that you do not have time to explore your options.
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They try to pressure you into accepting the offer.
The insurance provider may try to force you into accepting the offer. They want to get deal with the situation fast. This way, you may not have time to talk to an attorney and probably may not discover that their offer is too low and that you deserve more.
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They do not explain the calculations.
You have a right to ask the insurance provider how they calculated your pain and suffering and estimate your medical bill. If they avoid or refuse to answer the question, it is probably because they underpay you.
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They neglect the evidence.
If the insurance companies can somehow name you liable for the accident, fully or partially, they can pay you less. That is why it is always a good idea to include evidence with your claim. It is a red flag if they neglect or ignore the evidence.
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They question your injuries.
The insurance provider may try to imply that your injuries are from a previous condition so they can pay you less. It is also a good idea to include evidence of your injuries with your claim.
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They try to blame you.
Another sign that the company is lowballing you is if they try to hold you liable for the accident. If you caused the accident, then you cannot recover compensation. Thus, it is good to include evidence of the other person’s wrongdoing. However, if the insurance provider tries to dismiss or ignore this evidence, talk to a lawyer immediately.
What should you do?
When you know that the insurance provider is trying to offer a lower settlement, you can take a few steps.
- Analyze the offer
- Send a written response
- Make a counteroffer
- File a lawsuit
