There are many medical complications and financial repercussions associated with a serious accident injury. If a negligent party has caused your injury, you may be able to secure damages that account for your current and projected medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, an insurance company may be obligated to provide restitution per the negligent party’s policy.
At The Stewart Law Firm, we understand your challenges after an accident and are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional legal support. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to protect your financial stability and well-being.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to handle situations where the negligent party or their insurance company offers you a settlement that’s too low and what steps you can take to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Understanding Insurance Company Tactics in Texas
Insurance companies often engage in tactics designed to minimize their payouts. One common strategy is when the representative will likely begin the negotiation process by offering an insufficient settlement amount that won’t cover your total losses.
After an accident is reported, insurance company adjusters immediately begin investigating the incident and evaluating evidence. Their goal is to pay as little as possible while remaining within the law’s guidelines. Some tactics they may use include:
- Attempting to obtain a recorded statement: They may try to contact you and trick you into making a recorded statement that could jeopardize your claim.
- Shifting blame for the accident: If the insurance company can argue that you’re responsible for the accident, they may reduce or deny your right to compensation.
- Offering a meager settlement: They often present a low initial offer, hoping you’ll settle the case early and for less than you deserve. Once a settlement is accepted, you cannot pursue further compensation later.
Many trusting, desperate, and inexperienced people accept these lowball offers and later face severe injury-related debts. Working with a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney, like our personal injury advocate Stephen Stewart, who can negotiate effectively on your behalf, is crucial to avoid this outcome.
Countering a Lowball Offer from Insurance Companies in Texas
At The Stewart Law Firm, we are dedicated to negotiating with insurance company representatives on your behalf to ensure that you’re awarded the compensation your injuries warrant. Our approach includes:
- Reviewing Your Case Thoroughly: We assess all aspects of your injury-related expenses and compare them to the insurance company’s initial offer.
- Preparing a Detailed Counteroffer: We help you craft a proposal with a total dollar amount figure supported by clear reasoning and evidence.
Your counteroffer might include the following elements:
- The current cost of medical expenses
- Projected cost of future medical expenses
- Present and future lost wages
- Disability-related costs
- Costs for ongoing professional care
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Transportation and other related costs
Every client’s situation is unique, and additional damages may need to be considered based on the specifics of your case. We work closely with you to compile essential evidence that supports your counteroffer’s terms. By providing a well-documented proposal, we aim to clarify why the settlement amount is justified to the insurance company.
What to Keep in Mind When Dealing With an Insurance Representative After Your Injury
In some cases, you may seek other forms of compensation or damages. These might include:
- Punitive damages, which are intended to punish the negligent party for particularly reckless behavior
- Damages for emotional distress which account for the psychological impact of your injuries.
Understanding the full scope of what you are entitled to for your injury is crucial, and our legal team is here to guide you through this complex process.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After Your Accident
Navigating the claims process and negotiating settlements can be overwhelming, especially when recovering from an injury. Insurance companies have extensive legal resources, which they use to protect their interests.
A dedicated attorney with a proven track record in helping personal injury clients ensures that your rights are upheld, your questions are answered, and your interests are represented throughout the negotiation process.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Austin Personal Injury Attorneys Today!
Our Austin personal injury attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm are here if you require legal guidance after an accident. We can evaluate your case and represent your interests through each step of your legal journey. With our help, you can secure a settlement that safeguards your quality of life.
We’re available 24/7. Contact us at (512) 326-3200 today!
