I Was Injured in a Car Accident, and an Insurance Company is Offering Me a Settlement. What Should I Do?
Being in a car accident, even a minor one, can be expensive. If you were recently involved in one, you might wonder how you will pay for your medical bills, vehicle damage, or any related other expenses. When a car insurance adjuster calls and offers you a settlement, you feel relieved knowing you can pay your bills, or at least some of them. But what should you do? Should you accept their settlement offer? The short answer is not to do anything until you meet a qualified Tampa car accident attorney.
Why Should You Meet with an Attorney Before Agreeing to Settlement?
After a motor vehicle accident, it's unlikely that you know what your claim is worth. You may not have had your vehicle inspected, know how much time you will need to take off work, or understand the extent and financial obligations of your injuries. Even though you may be desperate for money to pay your bills now, agreeing to a settlement is final. If you later learn that your injuries and damages were worth more than what the insurance company offered you, you can't void your previous agreement.
It's imperative that you don't agree to a settlement until you have a Tampa car accident attorney evaluate your claim. An attorney can help you understand the full value of your claim and when you might know the total value of your medical bills and injuries.
Insurance Companies Don't Protect You
Insurance companies don't protect you; they protect themselves. Their bottom line and saving money are the most important things to them. They are in business to make money, and the more they pay to injured claimants, the less they make. Considering this, they will do anything to get you to agree to a much smaller settlement than you deserve.
A Tampa Car Accident Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
A Tampa car accident attorney can work to protect your rights. They can stand up to the insurance company, letting them know that you won't fall for their low-ball settlement offers—that you deserve full and fair compensation. When you hire an attorney, you won't have to deal with anyone from the insurance company on your own. Your attorney will handle all communication with them. If you must speak to them, your lawyer will be present to protect your rights.
Were You Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Matthews Injury Law Today
It's far too common for innocent and unsuspecting accident victims to accept near-immediate settlement offers from insurance adjusters because they need the money immediately. Unfortunately, this isn't in their best interest most of the time.
At Matthews Injury Law, we provide no-obligation consultations to injured car accident victims. Call us today at 813-530-1000 or contact us online to schedule yours. During this consultation, you can learn more about your rights and what your case might be worth. Until you are able to meet with an attorney, refrain from speaking with the insurance company or accepting any settlement offers.