After a Michigan car accident, it’s common for insurance adjusters to reach out with a settlement offer. Their job is to resolve your personal injury claim quickly and for the lowest possible amount. That means their offer is rarely designed to reflect the actual value of your losses. So you may be wondering, “Do I have to accept an insurance adjuster’s offer immediately?”
The answer is no. You are never obligated to accept any offer, especially the first one. Settlements are negotiable, and you have every right to seek fair compensation that accounts for all the ways the accident has affected your life. Let our seasoned Muskegon car accident attorney explain why that first offer is usually not in your best interest and what you should consider before saying yes.
Why the First Offer Is Rarely the Best Offer
The first settlement offer from an insurance adjuster is almost always a starting point for negotiation, not a true reflection of the value of your personal injury claim. Adjusters know that many accident victims feel pressure to accept quickly, especially if bills are piling up, and often put a low figure on the table, creating the impression that your claim isn’t worth much more, even though it usually is.
In many cases, the initial offer doesn’t come close to covering the full scope of your injuries. It might account for your immediate medical bills, but what about the long-term care you might need, such as physical therapy, follow-up surgeries, or ongoing prescription costs? These future expenses can add up, and once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back and ask for more.
Furthermore, the first offer often fails to factor in lost wages or diminished earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from working for weeks or permanently affect your ability to return to your career, the financial impact of the car accident can be far greater than initial settlement offers. Insurance companies design them to be low, hoping you accept before you realize what your personal injury claim is really worth.
However, if you have legal guidance, you have the tools to push back and negotiate for a settlement that truly reflects your losses. So, if you’re unsure about whether the offer is fair, it’s in your best interest to consult with a local Muskegon car accident attorney before signing anything. These professionals can help you evaluate the full value of your claim, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
The Dangers of Accepting a Low Offer
When you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and missed work, it’s tempting to take the first settlement an insurance adjuster puts in front of you. But accepting a low settlement offer too soon can come with serious long-term consequences. Here are the main risks you need to know:
You Sign Away Your Rights
Once you accept an offer, you are often required to sign a final release of claims. It’s a legal document that prevents you from seeking any more compensation for your injuries. Even if your condition worsens or new complications arise, you’ll have no way to recover additional damages.
Future Medical Bills Are on You
Initial offers often only cover short-term care or emergency room visits. But what if your injuries require surgery later, or you need months or even years of physical therapy? If you’ve already accepted a lowball settlement, you are at risk of paying those medical costs out of pocket.
You Forfeit Pain and Suffering Compensation
Many early settlement offers don’t include any meaningful amount for your pain, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life. Michigan law allows you to pursue these non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, but once you settle too early, you might lose that opportunity.
Your Lost Wages May Be Undervalued
It’s easy to underestimate how much time you might miss from work. Beyond that, some injuries can reduce your ability to earn at the same level in the future. Early settlement offers rarely take into account your diminished earning capacity, leaving you financially strained long after the settlement money is spent.
You Lose Leverage to Negotiate
Insurance adjusters might frame their offer as “the best you can get” or suggest that waiting could jeopardize your claim. Once you accept, negotiations are over. The insurance company won’t reopen your claim, and you give up your best chance to secure fair compensation.
Your Next Steps: How to Protect Your Claim
Don’t rush to settle your claim. Instead, take control of the situation and make smart moves to protect your interests and get the insurance benefits you’re entitled to. Here’s what you should do:
Don’t Feel Pressured
If an adjuster calls right after your accident and asks for a recorded statement or tries to settle immediately, you have the right to say no. Politely let them know you’re still evaluating your medical condition and reviewing your legal options. Don’t accept anything on the spot.
Document Everything
Every piece of paperwork matters. Keep records of your accident report, medical bills, diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and notes from your employer about missed work. Documentation helps build a clear picture of your losses and strengthen your claim if you pursue legal action.
Avoid Speculation
Adjusters might try to get you to say something that reduces your claim, such as admitting partial blame or minimizing your pain. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Once you hire a lawyer, the insurance company has to go through them, not you.
Let Your Lawyer Deal With the Adjuster
A competent Muskegon car accident attorney can evaluate the true worth of your claim, negotiate directly with insurance companies, and prepare your personal injury case for litigation, if necessary. While your attorney handles negotiations, you can focus on what’s most important—your recovery.
Before You Sign, Make the Right Call
A car accident can turn your life upside down, and accepting a low settlement offer can make it even harder to recover physically and financially. Before you sign anything, make the right call. Let Shafer Swartz PLC help you secure a settlement you’re entitled to.
Our experienced Muskegon car accident attorney can review your claim, explain your legal options, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and guide you through every step so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today at (231) 722-2444 or here to schedule a consultation.