Being injured in a car accident is a traumatic experience that can have heavy economic consequences. While you are recuperating, you may be anxious about how to pay medical, car repair and other expenses and to make up for any lost income. Unfortunately, this is precisely when the other driver's insurance company is likely to contact you to make a settlement offer. They know you are in a weakened, worried state and they hope you will be tempted to take money that’s put on the table. However, this is almost always a big mistake, as it can seriously undercut your right to fair compensation.

Here are the chief reasons why you should not accept the other side’s offer without consulting with an auto accident attorney:

1. You are in no condition to discuss the matter — Soon after the accident, you are still feeling its effects, sometimes more than you know. In addition to perceptible pain and visible external injuries, there may be symptoms that take a longer time to manifest themselves, especially in the case of a head or neck trauma or internal injuries. In this impaired state of health, you should not be making decisions that will have a significant financial impact.

2. The company will try to lowball you — The first offer from the other driver's insurance company will be far less than your claim is worth. It will not account for your actual damages, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. By accepting this offer, you completely forfeit your chance to negotiate for a fair amount. 

3. There has been no real investigation — The initial settlement offer typically comes in before there has been a thorough evaluation of the accident's cause. Liability for an accident depends on which driver is at fault, which can only be established by an investigation.

4. The assessment of damages is incomplete — The first offer from the other driver’s insurer comes before they or you are aware of the full extent of your injuries and losses. It often takes weeks or even longer to fully diagnose an accident victim’s medical condition. 

5. You lose the potential for additional compensation — By accepting the offer and signing a release form, you relinquish your right to recover further damages by bringing a lawsuit, even when it turns out that your injuries are worse than initially thought. 

Given these pitfalls, you should not discuss the case with the other side’s insurance company. Instead, contact an experienced attorney. Once that attorney is involved, they will take over discussions with the insurance company and its counsel, working to reach a settlement that truly reflects your needs.

At Pikrallidas & Probasco in Fairfax, Virginia, we focus on winning compensation for Virginia and Washington, D.C. residents hurt in auto accidents. We have offices in Manassas, Centreville and Front Royal. Please call us at 703-267-2600 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.