Why Insurance Companies Lowball Injury Settlements & How to Fight Back
Suffering an injury is already stressful enough. But dealing with an insurance company that offers an unfairly low settlement can make things even worse. Many insurance companies prioritize profits over fair compensation, using various tactics to pressure injury victims into accepting less than they deserve. Understanding why insurers lowball settlements and knowing how to fight back can help ensure you receive the compensation necessary for your recovery.
Why Do Insurance Companies Lowball Settlements?
1. Profit-Driven Motives
Insurance companies are businesses focused on maximizing profits. By offering lower settlements, they reduce payouts and increase their bottom line. They use complex algorithms and claim evaluation tools to calculate the lowest amount they can offer while still appearing reasonable.
2. Hoping You’ll Accept Out of Desperation
Many injury victims face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Insurers exploit this urgency by making quick, low settlement offers, hoping claimants will accept without questioning whether it’s fair.
3. Disputing Liability
An insurance company may argue that their policyholder wasn’t fully at fault or that you share responsibility for the accident. By reducing their liability, they justify offering a lower settlement.
4. Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters often claim that injuries are less severe than reported. They might argue that medical treatment was unnecessary or that pre-existing conditions contributed to your current condition, further justifying a lower payout.
5. Using Delay Tactics
Delaying claim processing is another common strategy. Insurers may drag out investigations, ask for excessive documentation, or ignore follow-ups, hoping frustration will push you to settle for less.
How to Fight Back Against a Lowball Offer
1. Know the Value of Your Claim
Before engaging with the insurance company, research the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help you accurately assess what your claim is worth.
2. Don’t Accept the First Offer
Initial settlement offers are often lower than what you deserve. Politely decline and request a detailed explanation of how they calculated the amount.
3. Gather Strong Evidence
Supporting your claim with medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions strengthens your case. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for the insurance company to undervalue your claim.
4. Document All Communications
Keep records of every conversation, email, and letter exchanged with the insurance company. Written documentation can protect you from misinformation or changing statements.
5. Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
A skilled attorney understands insurance tactics and can negotiate effectively on your behalf. At McGilberry & Shirer, we’ve helped thousands of clients secure fair settlements by holding insurers accountable.
6. Be Prepared to Go to Trial
Insurance companies often reconsider lowball offers when they see a claimant is willing to take the case to court. Having a lawyer who is prepared to litigate can push insurers toward offering a fair settlement.
Why Choose McGilberry & Shirer?
With over 60 years of combined experience, McGilberry & Shirer LLP has successfully represented more than 10,000 injury victims. Our team is dedicated to ensuring clients receive the maximum compensation possible. We fight aggressively against insurance companies’ unfair tactics and will take your case to court if necessary.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured and received a lowball settlement offer, don’t accept less than what you deserve. Call McGilberry & Shirer at 972-764-8675 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you need.
