Should I Accept An Auto Accident Settlement In Pennsylvania?
After an auto accident in Pennsylvania, you may receive a settlement offer. Often, auto accident plaintiffs receive settlement offers surprisingly quickly – and they may be unsure of how to react. You may be facing serious medical bills, weeks of missed wages, and other financial pressures. All of these factors may make it very tempting to simply accept the cash immediately. However, accepting an auto accident settlement might not be the most appropriate course of action.
Understanding the Motives of Insurance Companies
You should know that insurance companies in Pennsylvania are motivated entirely by their profit margins. Although these companies may offer you compensation for your medical expenses and missed wages, they are not charitable organizations – and they should not be viewed as such.
The primary goal of an insurance company is to offer you the least amount of money possible. In doing so, they increase their profit margins and decrease operating costs. They employ professionals who look for any way to offer you less than you deserve – or nothing whatsoever.
As a result of these factors, you can expect an insurance company to offer you an almost insultingly low settlement offer at the beginning of the negotiation process. In their view, it is worth offering you a low sum – just to see if you’ll accept it. Unfortunately, many auto accident plaintiffs have no idea how much money they’re actually entitled to – and they accept paltry sums as a result.
What Happens When You Reject a Settlement Offer?
You are perfectly justified in rejecting a settlement offer. You will not lose the ability to pursue compensation if you do this. When an insurance company offers you an initial settlement, this is not a case of “take it or leave it.” In fact, most insurance companies expect you to reject the initial offer and counter with a more appropriate sum.
Rejecting a settlement offer does not automatically trigger a trial, either. In fact, most insurance companies desperately want to avoid litigation – as this is a time-consuming and costly process. Once again, insurance companies care about their profit margins first and foremost. Generally speaking, trials are not good for business. As a result of these factors, insurance companies will allow you to continue negotiating for a fair settlement offer until both parties agree upon an acceptable sum.
How Can You Cover Your Medical Expenses and Lost Wages While You Negotiate?
Covering your medical expenses and missed wages while you negotiate for a fair settlement can be challenging. However, it’s important to note that insurers will take full advantage of your desperation in this situation. The longer you can hold out for a fair settlement, the better. Remember, your settlement should cover all medical costs that you have incurred – so you should receive compensation for outstanding healthcare debts.
Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced auto accident lawyer in Scranton, look no further than the Needle Law Firm. An initial consultation with us can help you avoid serious financial errors – including accepting a settlement too early. With our help, you can negotiate for fair compensation after your accident. Reach out today to discuss your legal options in more detail.
Sources:
usnews.com/insurance/auto/everything-you-should-know-about-car-insurance
wsj.com/finance/insurance-companies-profits-stock-ebae7fd1
