If you have been injured in a car accident that was the fault of another driver, that driver’s insurance company will likely offer you a check to “compensate” your injuries shortly after initial discussion of the car accident. You will most likely wonder “Should I accept the initial personal injury compensation offer?” As practicing personal injury attorneys who have experience with these types of cases, we recommend that you do not accept the insurance company’s initial offer.
Wait to Settle
Personal injury cases can be tricky because certain injuries may not show their full effect until some time after the accident, resulting in higher medical bills than you expected or excessive time off work to heal. For example, if you were in a rear-end collision and suffered from whiplash, the initial soreness from the impact may have faded but it is possible for more chronic pain and neck damage to appear some time later. It’s important to have a full diagnosis of the injury from a medical practitioner before accepting compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What to Do if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Car Insurance
Consult an Experienced Fairbanks Personal Injury Attorney Today
In addition, speaking with a personal injury attorney about your particular situation can work in your favor. An attorney can help determine whether the insurance company is offering a fair or substantial personal injury compensation offer, based on your injuries and the nature of the accident. We can also advise on whether filing a personal injury claim for more compensation is necessary. Oftentimes, the insurance company’s first offer is too low in an attempt to free themselves from the case before more money than they want to give is required of them.
Always remember that the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not have your best interest in mind, even when they’re offering you a check. If you’re unsure about the compensation you’re offered for a personal injury, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer in Fairbanks, Alaska.