SKIP TO CONTENTAfter an accident that leaves you injured, your phone rings. An insurance adjuster is on the other end, representing the liable party from the accident. They give you a settlement offer, and you’re shocked by how low it is. You were expecting much more.
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re probably wondering: What should I do if I receive a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company? Don’t worry; you have other options.
Contact a personal injury attorney when you’re unhappy with a settlement offer.
What Is a Lowball Offer?
When making an insurance claim, understand that insurance companies are for-profit businesses. When an insurance adjuster calls, their goal is to settle the case for the lowest amount possible.
Many people aren’t prepared for this situation and accept a settlement offer because they don’t know better. A lowball offer is when an insurance company makes a settlement offer much lower than your true case value.
Much of the time, these lowball offers are the result of the insurance adjuster protecting their company’s profit. Other reasons you may receive lowball settlement offers include:
- The insurance company found you at fault for the incident
- The insurance company miscalculated your damages
- The insurance company is acting in bad faith
What To Do If You Receive a Lowball Settlement Offer
Now, to address the question: What should I do if I receive a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company?
Contact an Attorney
Hire a personal injury attorney. If you are in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma insurance companies know this is likely to be your first personal injury claim and may try to take advantage of your inexperience. Working with a law firm like Bryan Garrett PLLC, with years of experience, gives you the upper hand.
Assess the Value of Your Claim
When you secure legal representation, you can more accurately assess the value of your claim. Your attorney will help you calculate your damages, including:
- Medical costs
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Mental distress
Once you know the value of your claim, you can compare it to the settlement offer to confirm it was a lowball offer.
Collect Evidence
The type of evidence you collect varies depending on your case, but your attorney can help you regardless. For example, they may help you access dash camera footage if you were in a motor vehicle accident. You might also use medical records to prove the extent of your car accident injuries. If you slipped and fell in a parking lot, they may contact witnesses for statements.
Negotiate
With new representation, calculations, and evidence, you can return to your insurance adjuster. The negotiation process can be long but has opportunities for substantial benefits. With the help of our attorneys, you won’t have to fight alone.
File a Personal Injury Claim
If the insurance company doesn’t budge after your negotiation attempts, it might be time to seek compensation elsewhere. File a personal injury claim to better account for your damages. If you decide to file a claim, note that you only have two years from the date of your accident, according to Oklahoma’s statute of limitations.
Fight Lowball Offers With Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
When you ask, “What should I do if I receive a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company?” our response is: Don’t go down without a fight. We will help you negotiate and seek more compensation. With over 15 years of experience, we’re prepared to help you through this difficult process. Call the attorneys at Bryan Garrett PLLC 405-725-2661 today to schedule a consultation.
