It's tempting – you've been in a crash involving another driver, and shortly after that, you're contacted by their insurance company with what sure seems like a very generous offer. Having that money in your account wouldn't hurt and might even go a long way towards helping you pay some bills. So should you accept it? Or hold out for more?

Don't Take the First Offer

The simple answer is “no” – don't take that first offer. There are several reasons for this, some of which you may have already figured out.

1. The First Offer is Almost Never the Best Offer. Insurers are in business to make money, and that means paying out as little as possible when a claim comes in. It's almost a guarantee that when they approach you with a settlement offer, they are leaving themselves room because they expect you to negotiate (but hope you won't).

2. You May Have Suffered More Damages Than You Realize. In some cases, particularly if an offer comes soon after an accident, you may not know the full extent of your injuries or the damage to your vehicle. Typically, if you accept their offer, you'll have to sign a release, which can make it extremely difficult to go back to the company for more money if you later learn you've suffered more injuries or damage than you thought you had when you agreed to settle.

3. The Insurance Representative Isn't Your Friend. A good insurance adjuster will be very personable and may talk to you as though you're someone they care deeply about – which may or may not be the case. But the adjuster isn't working for you; they're working for the insurance company. That's why it's dangerous to take their advice, particularly when it comes to settling your claim.

How the Delsa Law Firm, LLC Can Help

At the Delsa Law Firm, LLC, we have years of experience negotiating settlements in a wide range of car and truck accidents and other types of personal injury cases. We understand how insurance companies think and can help you evaluate a settlement offer and, in almost every case, negotiate a better one on your behalf.

We also have the experience to take a case to trial where the insurer is unwilling to properly compensate you for your injuries, damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurers know this and will often settle for a significantly higher amount to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of facing off against us in court. Call the Delsa Law Firm, LLC, at (985) 882-1222 or use our contact form to learn more about how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover more of what you're entitled to after your accident. We're conveniently located just off of I-12 in Slidell, in the heart of Tammany Parish.