The few hours or days following an accident are very difficult for victims. The aftermath of the accident is when you start coming to terms with the extent of your injuries and how they will affect your life in the future. It is easy to make wrong decisions in such moments of vulnerability.
A common mistake many make is rushing into accepting an early settlement offer from the insurance company of the at-fault party. While it may seem the most logical thing to do in the face of huge medical bills, it is not always in your best interests. Here is why.
The officer is likely in favor of the insurer
Insurance companies are in business at the end of the day. Therefore, the initial offer is usually skewed to favor the insurance company’s interests. If you settle for a lower settlement, it means that the insurer will not have to dig deeper into their pockets to compensate you.
Your injuries may get worse
If you accept an early offer and your condition deteriorates, it might be difficult to go after additional compensation. Before rushing into a deal, you need to have a complete picture of your injuries and ensure that you are fully covered for all the damages suffered.
The actual value of your claim can only be ascertained after some time, which is why you should proceed carefully before agreeing to any early settlement deal.
Protecting your rights after an accident
As the victim, you have a say in how your settlement should proceed. Do not be enticed with an early offer and accept it because you are uncertain about how your case will unfold.
Instead, learn more about your rights before making a claim and prepare yourself for any eventualities. It will go a long way in increasing your chances of getting the compensation you deserve at the end of it all.
