After an accident, the other party’s insurance company may try to offer you a settlement for property damage and injuries. However, you should avoid signing any settlement release until a thorough investigation has been conducted, and you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI). Why should you refuse the insurance company’s initial settlement?The Settlement May Be Low
In general, insurance companies do not want to pay the amount you deserve. They will try to offer a low settlement that may cover some but not all of your injuries or property damage. Some people may just want to put the accident behind them, and will accept the settlement right away so they don’t have to hassle or negotiate. However, this is a bad idea.
You May Have Injuries That Are Not Immediately Apparent
If you are involved in an accident, you may not feel pain. However, you may still have underlying soft tissue injuries or other conditions caused by the incident. This means, if you accept the insurance company’s initial settlement, you will be unable to receive more compensation later on if you need more expensive medical treatment. It is important to reach the point of MMI (the point at which your doctor says you have recovered as much as you are able to) before you accept a settlement with the insurance company. This can help prevent a situation where you have expensive medical bills but are unable to file another claim.
Seek a Favorable Settlement with the Help of Our Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, Christian & Christian can help. Our Greenville personal injury attorneys have nearly 100 years of collective legal experience. We can help you file a claim, negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company, and represent your case in court if necessary.
Contact us today to request a complimentary consultation.