Imagine you’ve just been in an accident. You’re shaken up, dealing with injuries, and trying to figure out how to get your life back on track. Then, out of nowhere, the insurance company makes you an offer. It might seem like a relief—a quick way to get some money and move on. But here’s the hard truth: accepting that first settlement could be one of the biggest financial mistakes you ever make.
Insurance companies aren’t in the business of paying out fair settlements right away. They want to close cases quickly and for as little money as possible. That first offer is almost always a lowball attempt to see if you’ll take the bait. This is where having the right legal guidance, like the expertise of Michael DeMayo, can make all the difference.
The Insurance Company’s Game Plan
Insurance adjusters have one goal—protect the company’s bottom line. They know that after an accident, victims are vulnerable. You’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, all while trying to recover. Insurers use this to their advantage by offering a quick payout, hoping you’ll accept without thinking twice.
They might tell you it’s the best they can do. They may even pressure you into believing that if you don’t take the offer now, you won’t get anything later. But in reality, that first settlement is often just a fraction of what you actually deserve.
You May Not Know the Full Extent of Your Damages
One of the biggest reasons to reject that initial offer is that you might not even know how much your case is worth. After an accident, injuries don’t always show up immediately. What seems like a minor issue today could turn into a major medical problem down the road. If you accept the insurance company’s first offer, you could be settling for far less than you need to cover long-term expenses.
Michael DeMayo and his legal team have seen this happen far too often. Many victims accept a quick settlement, only to realize months later that their medical bills are piling up, and they have no legal recourse left. By working with an experienced attorney, you ensure that every potential cost—both immediate and future—is factored into your claim.
Once You Accept, You Can’t Go Back
Here’s something many people don’t realize: once you sign that settlement agreement, your case is closed. There’s no going back for more money if you later discover additional medical expenses or complications.
Insurance companies count on this. They want you to take that check before you fully understand the financial burden you’re facing. That’s why having legal representation can be a game-changer. When you have someone like Michael A DeMayo Hickory in your corner, you won’t have to worry about being pressured into a deal that isn’t in your best interest.
How to Determine What Your Case Is Actually Worth
So, if you shouldn’t take the first offer, how do you know what’s fair? The truth is, calculating a fair settlement isn’t easy, but an experienced attorney knows what to look for.
Your settlement should include:
- All current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time off work
- Future loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Many people forget about future costs. If your injuries require long-term care, physical therapy, or even additional surgeries, those expenses need to be accounted for. Accepting a low offer without considering these factors could leave you struggling financially down the line.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts. Without an experienced attorney on your side, you’re playing a losing game. Michael DeMayo has spent years fighting for accident victims, making sure they get the compensation they truly deserve.
A skilled lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and won’t be intimidated by their tactics. They understand the real value of your claim and will fight to make sure you don’t settle for less than you need.
Having an attorney also signals to the insurance company that you’re serious about getting what’s fair. They know they can’t get away with lowball offers when a legal professional is handling the negotiations.
The Steps You Should Take After an Accident
If you find yourself in a situation where an insurance company is offering you a settlement, take a step back. Instead of rushing to accept, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention and document your injuries.
- Keep track of all medical bills and lost wages.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney before making any decisions.
By following these steps, you’ll put yourself in a much stronger position to receive a fair settlement.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Take Advantage of You
At the end of the day, the insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. They count on accident victims accepting lowball offers out of desperation or fear. But you don’t have to fall into that trap.
Michael DeMayo has built a reputation for standing up to insurance companies and securing real compensation for accident victims. With the right legal representation, you can make sure you’re not shortchanged and get the financial support you need to recover fully.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident, don’t make the mistake of accepting the first settlement offer. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney who can fight for what you truly deserve.