Why You Should Never Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Their first offer is typically 2-3 times lower than your case is actually worth. They hope you will accept out of financial desperation or ignorance of your claim's true value.

Studies show first offers average only 30-40% of ultimate settlement values. Insurance companies budget for negotiation and expect you to counter-offer. Accepting quickly means leaving significant money on the table.

Insurers use several tactics to reduce payouts: pressuring for quick settlements before you know injury extent, disputing medical necessity, claiming pre-existing conditions, and delaying until you face financial pressure.

They may also request recorded statements hoping you say something that hurts your case, or send you to their own doctors who minimize your injuries. An attorney protects against these tactics.

Never accept an offer without consulting an attorney first - most offer free consultations. If you choose to negotiate yourself, respond in writing with a counter-offer supported by evidence of your damages.

Document everything: medical bills, lost wages, photos of injuries, and impact on daily life. The more evidence you have, the stronger your negotiating position. Be patient - negotiations take time.

Insurance companies take represented claimants more seriously. They know attorneys understand case values, won't be intimidated, and will take cases to trial if necessary.

Represented claimants recover significantly more on average - often 3-5 times more than unrepresented victims, even after attorney fees. The investment in legal help typically pays for itself many times over.