After a truck accident, you may get a quick call from the insurance company. They often sound willing to help and pay immediately. Most of the time, though, their first offer is way too low to cover your real losses. You could end up paying a lot more later if you accept it without giving it much thought.
Before you sign anything, always consult a truck accident attorney. These early offers aren’t always fair, and they might not cover your future costs. This is very important when your losses or injuries haven’t been fully diagnosed yet. In this article, we will discuss reasons why you should never accept the first insurance offer after a truck accident.
Insurance Companies Want to Save Money
Insurance companies are in business to make money, not to help you get better. Their goal is to quickly and cheaply settle your claim. A fast settlement limits how much they pay and ends the case forever.
You can’t go back for more once you accept, even if your injuries get worse. That’s why offers are often made early before the full damage is known. If you sign too soon, it helps them, not you.
You Might Not Know How Bad Your Injuries Are
It can take a while for injuries from truck accidents to show up. You might feel fine at first but get worse over time. Other problems, including back pain and concussions, can take days or weeks to show up.
Most of the time, the first offer only covers basic treatment, like an X-ray or a trip to the emergency room. Most likely, it won’t cover surgery, physical therapy, or future care. You might have to pay those costs yourself if you agree to an early offer.
Early Offers Are Meant to Stop You from Getting Help
Some insurance companies make fast offers to keep you from talking to a lawyer. They know that a lawyer will ask for more money. They don’t have to pay fair value if they can get you to agree quickly.
That’s why the offer comes so quickly, usually within days. They hope you’re confused, scared, or desperate for money; that’s when they strike.
First Offers Ignore Many Types of Losses
After a truck crash, victims may lose a lot more than what they can see. You could lose weeks or months of wages. You might also be emotionally stressed out or in pain all the time.
These things will not be covered by the first insurance offer:
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of future income
- Long-term care costs
You can’t ask for more later, even if your condition gets worse after you settle.
You Lose Your Power to Negotiate
You leave the door open if you turn down the first offer. That gives you time to figure out what you’ve lost and how much it costs. It also gives you the power to ask for more.
When you negotiate, you often get better payouts. You lose all power as soon as you say yes to the first deal. You missed the chance to ask for more.
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