Why You Should Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement Offer
After a car accident, the insurance company might be quick to offer you a settlement—but is it really what you deserve? Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, and once you accept, there’s no going back—even if unexpected medical bills or lost wages pile up. Before you sign anything, here’s why you should always consult a car accident attorney.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or even pressured to make quick decisions. Between dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of vehicle repairs, it’s easy to feel confused about what to do next. To make matters worse, insurance companies may already be reaching out, offering a settlement that might seem fair at first glance. But is it enough to cover all of your expenses—both now and in the future?
Before you accept any settlement offer, consulting an experienced car accident attorney is crucial. At Avera & Smith, we know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we are here to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Here’s why seeking legal counsel before accepting a settlement is one of the most important decisions you can make.
1. Insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money—not ensuring you receive fair compensation. If they know you don’t have legal representation, they will likely offer you a lowball settlement, hoping you’ll accept it before realizing the full extent of your damages. Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and even future pain and suffering should all be considered when calculating a fair settlement.
Many car accident victims don’t initially realize the long-term financial impact of their injuries and accept a check that barely scratches the surface of what they truly need. Worse, if complications from your injuries arise after you’ve accepted a settlement, you won’t be able to seek additional compensation. An experienced attorney will fight to ensure every aspect of your loss is considered before you accept any offer.
2. People who hire lawyers tend to receive larger settlements.
Studies have consistently shown that car accident victims who hire lawyers receive significantly larger settlements than those who handle claims on their own. According to a report by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), individuals who have legal representation typically receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher than those who negotiate directly with insurance companies.
This is because attorneys understand the full value of your case and have the negotiation skills to push back against unfair offers. They gather medical records, consult experts, calculate long-term damages, and take your case to court if necessary. Without legal expertise on your side, you could be leaving thousands—if not tens of thousands—of dollars on the table.
3. Protect yourself from premature or unfair settlements
One of the biggest mistakes car accident victims make is settling too quickly. Insurance companies often try to rush you into an early agreement before the full extent of your injuries is known. What happens if your injuries require additional medical treatment or lead to chronic pain? If you’ve already accepted a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more money, even if new medical expenses arise.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney will ensure that all future medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and potential lost earnings are taken into account before you sign anything. By having a lawyer on your side, you safeguard your financial future and prevent being left with mounting expenses you didn’t anticipate.
Don’t settle for less—call Avera & Smith today!
Call 800-654-4659 for a free case review
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Gainesville, Ocala, Jacksonville, Lake City, The Villages, or surrounding areas, don’t let the insurance company dictate what you deserve. Before you accept any settlement offer or provide a statement, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Avera & Smith for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us today and let us protect your rights. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers working for them—shouldn’t you have one working for you?
Request a free case review through our online form or call 800-654-4659 to speak with one of our attorneys.