Experiencing a car accident in Los Angeles can be overwhelming. The aftermath usually involves dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and the stress of handling insurance claims. Understanding insurance settlement offers is especially crucial at this time. Why? Because the first offer that car accident victims receive from their insurance company often does not fully cover all their losses or reflect the true value of their personal injury claim.
In this blog, we reveal 4 important reasons why you should never accept the insurance company’s first offer after a Los Angeles car accident. By keeping yourself informed and cautious, you can avoid common pitfalls (such as their lowball tactics) to ensure you receive FULL compensation for your injuries, vehicle repairs, and loss of income.
At Braff Law Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers’ goal is to empower you with knowledge, so you’re prepared to negotiate effectively and secure the full settlement you deserve. Reach out and contact us today by giving us a call or completing our FREE case review form, or by simply searching online for “car accident lawyers near me” or “personal injury lawyers near me”.
Here are the 4 most important reasons you should never accept the insurance company’s first offer after a car accident in Los Angeles:
1. Low Initial Offers: A Common Tactic Used by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses driven by profit, which means minimizing payouts is often their top priority. One of the most common tactics they use to achieve this is making lowball offers right off the bat. These initial offers may seem appealing at first glance, especially when you’re dealing with the stress and financial strain of a car accident, but they’re usually far less than what you truly deserve.
How Insurance Companies Minimize Payouts
When you’re involved in a car collision, insurance adjusters quickly assess the damage and extend an offer that often appears reasonable – but is typically much lower than the actual value of your claim. They know that many people, eager to resolve their situation, will accept these lowball offers without question.
But accepting an inadequate offer can have severe long-term consequences including:
Financial Strain: You may end up paying out-of-pocket for medical bills, car repairs, and other accident-related expenses.
Inability to Cover Future Costs: Some injuries may require ongoing medical care that wasn’t factored into the initial offer.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you could face significant income loss not covered by the low settlement.
Receiving less than you deserve can lead to considerable financial hardship during an already challenging time. Don’t settle for less – know your rights!
It’s also crucial for car accident victims to understand that accepting the first offer might close the door on further negotiations or claims. Our team of expert Los Angeles car accident lawyers works on a contingency fee method, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. This ensures our commitment to getting you maximum compensation.
With a dedicated case manager at your side, Braff Law Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers ensures every aspect of your car accident claim is thoroughly evaluated and fought for. Contact us today for expert guidance and robust representation – remember, never settle for anything less than that to which you’re entitled. You can reach us easily by giving us a phone call or filling in our FREE case review form. In Los Angeles, you can also reach us by simply searching online for “car accident lawyers near me” or “personal injury lawyers near me”.
2. Incomplete Assessment of Damages
When you’re involved in a Los Angeles car accident, it’s crucial to differentiate between a complete and incomplete assessment of damages. A complete assessment encompasses all injuries, losses, and inconveniences experienced due to the car accident. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. On the other hand, an incomplete assessment only accounts for immediate, tangible costs – often neglecting the broader impact.
Importance of Including All Types of Damages
In any Los Angeles car accident claim, it’s essential to consider all possible damages. While economic damages cover clear-cut expenses like medical bills and property damage, non-economic damages are equally important. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: The physical discomfort and emotional anguish caused by the car accident.
- Emotional Distress: Psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression or PTSD.>
- Loss of Enjoyment: Diminished ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies.
- Loss of Consortium: Negative effects on relationships with family members.
Overlooked Non-Economic Damages
Insurance companies often overlook (or undervalue) non-economic damages in their initial offers. For example:
- Failing to account for the ongoing pain and suffering that car accident victims endure long after physical injuries have healed.
- Ignoring the emotional distress that can manifest later, which may require therapy or counseling.
- Underestimating the impact on one’s quality of life and personal relationships.
By accepting an initial offer without a full evaluation, you risk forfeiting compensation for these significant aspects of your car accident recovery.
Risks of Settling Too Quickly
Settling a Los Angeles car accident claim too early can lead to several adverse consequences:
Undervalued Claims: Without a thorough assessment, you may receive far less than what you’re entitled to.
Uncovered Future Costs: Medical treatments or therapies needed later might not be covered if they’re not accounted for initially.
Legal Complications: Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation. This could leave you financially vulnerable if unforeseen issues arise.
It’s vital to consult with an expert Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Braff Law to ensure all damages are evaluated comprehensively. By doing so, you safeguard your right to receive fair compensation which truly reflects your experience and losses. Don’t rush into accepting an inadequate offer – together, let’s make sure every aspect of your car accident claim is covered fully.
3. Potential for Undiscovered Injuries
Car accidents often lead to injuries which aren’t immediately apparent. These undiscovered injuries can take days, weeks, or even months to fully manifest. When you rush into accepting an initial settlement offer from the insurance company, you risk overlooking these latent medical issues which can result in significant future medical expenses and lost wages.
Invisible But Real: Delayed-Onset Injuries
After a Los Angeles car accident, adrenaline and shock can mask serious injuries. Conditions such as whiplash, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. As these injuries become evident later, the costs for treatment (ranging from extended physical therapy to surgeries) can escalate quickly.
Settling your car accident claim too soon can have severe repercussions on your long-term well-being. Chronic pain conditions like spinal cord injuries or nerve damage might develop over time, affecting your ability to work and perform daily activities. This translates into lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
Importance of Comprehensive Medical Evaluations
Before considering any car accident settlement, it’s crucial to undergo thorough medical evaluations. These exams help uncover hidden injuries which could lead to substantial future expenses. By understanding the full scope of your health status, you can make the most informed decision about settling.
Misjudging the extent of your car accident injuries can result in lifelong suffering and financial strain. Protect yourself by ensuring all potential injuries are discovered and accounted for before settling any claims.
4. Hiring a Braff Car Accident Lawyer Maximizes Your Chance for FULL Compensation
When dealing with the aftermath of a Los Angeles car accident, it can be overwhelming to navigate the complicated world of insurance claims. This is where your expert Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Braff Law become invaluable allies. We understand the complexities of the legal system, and our expertise in negotiation tactics ensures we secure higher settlements for our clients.
Effective Negotiation on Your Behalf
Insurance companies are skilled at protecting their bottom line, often employing strategies designed to minimize payouts. With expert LA car accident lawyers by your side, you have a powerful advocate who knows how to overcome these tactics effectively.
Benefits of having legal representation from our knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident lawyers include:
Knowledge and Experience: Our deep understanding of personal injury law allows us to build strong car accident cases that highlight the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Strategic Negotiation: We leverage evidence, expert testimonies, and detailed documentation to negotiate higher settlements on your behalf.
Litigation Threat: The knowledge that you have expert legal representation from our Los Angeles car accident lawyers, ready to take your case to court if necessary, adds significant weight during settlement discussions.
Why Settle for Less?
Insurance companies count on victims’ lack of legal knowledge to offer lowball settlements quickly. By consulting with us, you level the playing field. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers’ goal is not just to win your case, but to ensure you receive fair compensation that truly reflects all your needs and suffering.
Don’t let insurance companies dictate your future. Reach out now for a FREE consultation with our experienced LA car accident lawyers. We offer a free injury case review to help you understand your rights and options, putting you in a stronger position from the start.
Understanding the critical role that skilled personal injury lawyers play in securing fair compensation can make all the difference after a Los Angeles car accident. Taking this step ensures you’re not settling for anything less than you deserve.
Seeking professional legal advice from Braff Law’s expert Los Angeles car accident lawyers empowers you to:
- Maximize your settlement through comprehensive damage assessment
- Protect your rights against lowball offers
- Leverage our expert negotiation strategies for better outcomes
Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your car accident claim. Contact us today for a FREE case consultation and take control of your path to justice after a Los Angeles car accident. Reach out to us now by giving us a phone call, submitting our FREE case review form, or searching online for “personal injury lawyers near me” or “car accident lawyers near me”.
Remember these 4 reasons why you should never accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer after a Los Angeles car accident – this can be the difference between settling for less and securing everything you truly deserve.
