Why You Should Never Accept the First Insurance Offer After a Missouri Car Accident

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When you’re involved in a car accident in Missouri, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between dealing with medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and insurance claims, it can feel like you’re facing an uphill battle. During this challenging time, it’s tempting to quickly settle with the insurance company, especially when they make you an offer. However, accepting the first offer you receive could significantly shortchange you.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should never accept the first insurance offer after a car accident and what steps you should take to ensure you get the compensation you truly deserve.

1. Insurance Companies Aim to Pay Less, Not More

One of the main reasons you should avoid accepting the first insurance offer is that insurance companies are profit-driven businesses. While they might seem friendly and helpful, their ultimate goal is to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. The first offer you receive is likely to be a lowball amount designed to settle the case quickly and cheaply, often without accounting for the full extent of your injuries, damages, and other losses.

Insurance adjusters are trained to offer you a settlement that seems appealing at first but is often far less than you need. This initial offer may not include future medical expenses, pain and suffering, or lost wages. By accepting it, you could be walking away from the full compensation you’re entitled to.

2. You May Not Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries

After a car accident, especially if it’s serious, your injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some injuries, like whiplash, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage, may take days or even weeks to fully manifest. If you accept the first offer without fully understanding the extent of your injuries, you risk receiving less money than you’ll need for future medical treatments, rehabilitation, or ongoing care.

For example, what seems like a minor back pain on the day of the accident could develop into a chronic condition that requires months or even years of medical attention. If you’ve already accepted an initial settlement, you will be stuck with the financial responsibility of any future treatments.

3. The First Offer Doesn’t Account for Pain and Suffering

In Missouri, as in many states, car accident victims are entitled to compensation not just for medical bills and lost wages, but also for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering are more difficult to quantify, but they can represent a significant portion of the total damages you may be entitled to.

The first insurance offer you receive will typically focus on your out-of-pocket expenses—medical bills and vehicle repairs—but it likely won’t adequately address the intangible losses such as:

  • Physical pain and discomfort
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental anguish or trauma from the accident

Insurance companies often fail to consider these factors when making their initial offer, which is why it’s critical to evaluate the full scope of your recovery before accepting any settlement.

4. Your Claim May Involve More Than Just Vehicle Damage

When insurance companies assess car accidents, they often focus on property damage first. However, a car accident claim often involves more than just repairing or replacing your vehicle. You may also need compensation for:

  • Medical bills, both immediate and future
  • Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Prescription medications
  • Lost wages if you’re unable to return to work
  • Mental health counseling (if you experienced emotional distress or trauma)

The first offer from the insurance company may only cover some of these costs and may overlook the full financial impact of the accident on your life. Accepting a settlement prematurely could leave you paying for these expenses out of pocket.

5. You Have the Right to Negotiate

It’s important to remember that the first offer is not set in stone. In Missouri, as in other states, you have the right to negotiate your settlement. Insurance companies expect that you’ll negotiate, especially if you feel their initial offer is insufficient. If you accept their first offer, you are effectively waiving your right to seek further compensation for your injuries and losses.

Negotiating can be difficult, especially when you’re in pain or dealing with emotional distress after an accident. However, with the right guidance, you can increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.

6. You May Be Overlooking the Long-Term Impact of the Accident

Car accidents can have a long-term impact on your life. From ongoing physical therapy to the emotional toll of recovering from an accident, the financial consequences of an accident may extend well beyond the immediate aftermath. The first insurance offer will likely not consider the long-term effects of the accident on your health and well-being.

For example, if you suffered an injury that prevents you from returning to your previous job or performing daily activities as you did before the accident, you may need compensation for:

  • Reduced earning potential
  • Long-term medical care
  • Pain management therapies
  • Impact on your personal life and relationships

Taking a quick offer could leave you without the resources you need to deal with these ongoing challenges.

7. Insurance Companies Often Try to Settle Quickly to Avoid Liability

Insurance companies are eager to settle claims quickly, especially if they believe they might be held liable for significant damages. By offering a quick settlement, they hope to resolve the matter before you have a chance to fully evaluate the case and understand the true value of your claim.

In some cases, accepting an initial offer may close your case permanently, leaving you with no recourse if new issues arise. It’s crucial to understand that once you accept an offer, you may not be able to ask for more money, even if your condition worsens or if additional expenses emerge.

8. Hiring an Attorney Can Help You Understand the True Value of Your Claim

One of the best ways to protect your interests after a car accident is to consult with an attorney who can evaluate your case. A qualified attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim and determine whether the first offer is fair. They can also negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that the settlement you receive adequately compensates you for all your losses.

An experienced attorney will consider all aspects of your claim, including both immediate and long-term damages, and ensure that you don’t settle for less than you deserve. They can also advise you on whether you should accept the offer or continue pursuing further negotiation.

9. Missouri’s Statute of Limitations and the Importance of Timely Action

While it’s important not to rush into accepting an insurance offer, it’s equally important to act within Missouri’s statute of limitations. While most claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, you must ensure that you don’t miss any critical deadlines. Taking the time to carefully evaluate your options is important but so is ensuring that you stay within the legal timeframe to pursue your case.

10. The Risks of Settling Too Soon

Finally, accepting a low settlement offer too quickly can undermine your financial stability in the long run. You might feel pressure from the insurance company to settle fast, but doing so could mean sacrificing the compensation you truly deserve. Once you accept an offer, it’s difficult to go back and ask for more if your medical bills or recovery costs increase.

It’s always better to take the time to fully assess your situation, consider the full extent of your injuries, and negotiate for a fair settlement rather than jumping at the first offer.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys About Your Personal Injury Case

After a car accident in Missouri, you may feel the urge to quickly accept an insurance company’s initial offer to put the incident behind you. However, doing so can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements to minimize their payout, and accepting an offer prematurely could mean missing out on the compensation you deserve.

It’s crucial to fully assess the extent of your injuries, damages, and the long-term effects of the accident before agreeing to any settlement. Aramjoo Law Firm is here to serve you.

Contact us today at 816-479-5898 or online to schedule your free consultation.

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816-326-2968

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