If someone gets in a car accident and the insurance company offers them what they believe to be a fair settlement, they may sign the settlement, receive their money, and then learn that the payment was not at all fair. They would probably not be able to take legal action in this situation since, by signing the settlement agreement, they waived their right to additional compensation.
What happens if a person verbally agrees to accept an offer from the insurance provider before changing their mind? Can they get aid from a personal injury lawyer? If you would like a free legal consultation after reading the response to this query, call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707.
A personal injury lawyer may be able to negotiate a new settlement
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” you may have heard. Getting a check today is preferable to the possibility of getting a check in the future, which is why many people accept settlements that they do not believe are high enough. They consent to a settlement out of fear, which ultimately proves to be far from just.
In most cases, the insurance company cannot legally hold a person to an agreement if they only verbally agreed to it and have not yet signed any documentation. There are several exceptions, but your personal injury lawyer can go over them to see if there are any possibilities for a fresh settlement offer.
What you need to know about insurance companies’ fast settlement offers
It is typical for someone who has been hurt in an accident to receive a fast settlement offer from an insurance company and then believe that their case will be resolved swiftly because of their good fortune. When the insurance provider, in essence, begs you to settle so soon after the accident, it should be a massive red flag.
Keep in mind that the insurance adjuster’s objective is to convince you to accept as little compensation as possible, not to find a fair settlement. If they are making an instant settlement offer, it is probably because they are aware that you are entitled to considerably more and/or that a trial would result in a much greater recovery.
They may appear to be on your side and present “proof” that the settlement is the best you can get, but if they are pressuring you to accept a rapid settlement, it is most likely because they are aware that you deserve more.
Call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to arrange for a free legal consultation prior to signing anything with the insurance provider. To determine the appropriate course of action for you, we can discuss what you are being offered, the particulars of your situation, and other relevant information.
