You may get a quick call from an insurance company offering money to settle your claim after an accident. At first, it might feel like a relief. But many of these early offers are much lower than what your injury is truly worth.
This is called a lowball offer. A personal injury lawyer Toronto can help you understand why this happens and what to do about it.
Why Insurance Companies Use Low Offers
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to spend less and keep more. By offering you a small amount right away, they hope you’ll take the money and move on. They know you may be worried about bills, work, or how long recovery will take. They try to take advantage of that fear by giving you money fast, even if it’s not enough.
Playing on Stress and Confusion
After an accident, most people are in pain or feeling stressed. You may not fully understand your injuries or know how long it will take to heal. Insurance adjusters know this. They use that confusion to offer a quick deal, hoping you’ll take it before asking questions. They may even act friendly to earn your trust and make the offer seem fair.
Making You Doubt Your Case
Another trick is making you feel like your case isn’t strong. An adjuster might say things like, “This is the best you’ll get,” or “Your injury isn’t that serious.” This can make you second-guess yourself, especially if you’ve never been through the process before. The goal is to make you accept less than you deserve.
Hoping You Don’t Get Legal Help
Many lowball offers are made early, before you’ve had a chance to speak with a lawyer. Insurance companies hope you won’t call for advice. That’s because a personal injury lawyer knows how to fight back. Once a lawyer gets involved, the insurance company usually has to offer more, because someone is now holding them accountable.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer can look at your injury, your losses, and what you might need in the future. They can speak to doctors, gather records, and deal with the insurance company for you. Most importantly, they can tell you if the offer is fair or if you should push for more.
Lowball offers may seem tempting, but they are often part of a larger plan to protect the insurance company, not you. Don’t settle for less than you need to recover fully.