Why You Shouldn’t Settle with Insurance Companies Too Quickly
And Why “Quick and Easy” Often Isn’t in Your Best Interest
You’ve been in an accident. You’re sore, your car looks like it tangled with a monster truck, and the phone rings—it’s the insurance adjuster offering you a settlement check. Fast cash? Yes. Fair cash? Not so much.
Before you sign anything or say “yes” too quickly, let’s break down why hitting pause might be the smartest move you’ll make all year.
The First Offer Is Rarely the Best Offer
Insurance companies are like poker players—they show you one card, but keep the good stuff hidden. Their goal is to get you to settle quickly and cheaply. They know that once you accept an offer, you usually waive your right to pursue any additional claims, even if injuries get worse later.
And trust us, Florida insurance companies didn’t stay in business by overpaying claims.
Quick Settlements Often Undervalue Your Injuries
Here’s the tricky part about injuries after an accident: symptoms often take days or even weeks to fully show up. What starts as “just a sore neck” might turn into a herniated disc or chronic pain that requires physical therapy.
Settling before you understand your medical situation is like guessing how much a home renovation costs before you knock down the walls. Florida law allows you to claim for future medical bills and lost wages if you don’t rush the settlement.
Tactics Adjusters Use to Minimize Your Claim
Adjusters are trained negotiators. Their friendly tone masks a clear mission: minimize your payout. Some of their favorite moves include:
- Offering a quick check before you’ve seen a doctor.
- Asking for recorded statements to twist your words.
- Suggesting your injury isn’t “that serious.”
- Downplaying the cost of long-term care or time off work.
- While legal, these tactics are designed to tip the scale in their favor, not yours.
You Might Miss Out on Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life—these are all real damages in Florida personal injury cases. But they’re not written on receipts or medical charts. And guess what? Insurance companies don’t usually offer them unless you ask for them (with an attorney’s help).
The Benefits of a Lawyer Reviewing Your Case First
A personal injury attorney knows the playbook—and how to beat it. At DeWitt Law Firm, we:
- Evaluate the real value of your claim (not just what’s on the receipt).
- Identify all potential sources of recovery (multiple policies, UM/UIM coverage, etc.).
- Handle negotiations so you’re not bullied into settling.
- Make sure you’re compensated for both now and later.
Remember: Once It’s Done, It’s Done
Accepting a quick settlement might feel like ripping off a Band-Aid. But once you cash that check or sign a release form, you can’t go back—even if your injuries require surgery later or you’re out of work longer than expected.
The Bottom Line
A quick settlement might sound tempting, but it often shortchanges your future. Before you sign away your rights, get the facts. And if you’re ever in doubt..
Call the Dewitt Law Firm, because you deserve more than a fast check—you deserve full justice.