How Insurance Teams Justify Lowball Offers
Most people expect insurance to step in, cover damages, and help them move forward following a car collision. Unfortunately, the process isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies are businesses, and like any business, their goal is to protect profits. One of the most common ways they do this is by offering accident victims far less than their claim is worth.
Lowball offers can be frustrating and financially damaging. Understanding the tactics insurance adjusters use can help you recognize unfair treatment. Talk to a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer about what steps you can take to protect your rights.
Minimizing the Severity of Injuries
A popular strategy is downplaying the seriousness of your injuries. An adjuster may argue that your pain is exaggerated or unrelated to the crash, especially if you didn’t seek medical treatment immediately. They may highlight minor damage to the vehicle to imply injuries couldn’t be significant. But the truth is, serious injuries can occur even in low-impact collisions.
Questioning the Necessity of Treatment
Even when injuries are well documented, insurers may claim that certain medical treatments were unnecessary or too expensive. They might push you to settle quickly before you complete care, knowing that future medical needs could increase the value of your claim. If you settle too early, you lose the ability to request more compensation later.
Shifting Blame to the Victim
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning compensation may be reduced if the victim is found partially at fault. Insurers often try to take advantage of this rule by suggesting you contributed to the accident. They may claim you were distracted, speeding slightly, or didn’t follow safe driving practices. Even a small percentage of fault can lower a payout, giving adjusters an incentive to shift blame wherever possible.
Disputing Lost Wage Claims
Sometimes victims need time off work to heal. Insurance companies often question wage loss documentation or argue you should have returned to work sooner. Without clear medical notes and proof of income, they may push back aggressively. This is especially common for self-employed workers or those with irregular earnings.
Offering Quick Cash to Close the Claim
A common tactic is offering a fast settlement before the full extent of injuries is known. A check in hand might feel comforting during stressful times, but these quick offers often fail to account for future treatment, therapy, or ongoing pain. Once you accept, you cannot reopen the claim.
A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can level the playing field by negotiating with insurers, gathering medical records, proving long-term damages, and pushing back against unfair tactics. If you’ve received an offer that feels too low, pause before signing. With the right support, you may recover far more than the insurance company initially puts on the table.
Were you offered a settlement amount that you believe is not in line with your true expenses? After an accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach, connect with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421 to book a confidential consultation.
