Why You Should Not Settle Too Quickly After a Car Crash

Car accidents are traumatic experiences, and insurance companies put a lot of pressure on unsuspecting victims to settle. In Bozeman, Montana, where icy road conditions and heavy tourist traffic can increase the likelihood of crashes, many victims are eager to accept the first offer of money from their insurance company just to be done with the whole ordeal. 

Unfortunately, it may prove to be a costly decision. Settling quickly can lead to hidden injuries, undervalued claims, and waiving your rights. Speaking to a car accident lawyer in Bozeman can keep you from missing out on potentially significant damages.

Additionally, many victims regret early settlements once they discover long-term costs for conditions they developed afterwards. Delaying the settlement gives you time to better protect your health and finances.

Hidden or Delayed Injuries Can Happen Later

Several injuries from car crashes may take a while to appear, or at least be detectable. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries may take days or weeks before symptoms show. Accepting a settlement promptly can mean avoiding compensation for injuries that may show up after the cash in hand.

Common examples of delayed or latent injuries:

• Internal bleeding

• Herniated discs

• Post-traumatic headaches

You are putting yourself in a difficult position by accepting a settlement without fully knowing the extent of your harm; a thorough medical examination is key.

Total Financial Loss Might Not Be Compensated

In the haste to settle quickly, accident victims do not realize how much financial loss they are not accounting for. Many related losses, outside of the immediate costs for property damage, medical treatment, and lost wages, should all be considered to fully assess the financial loss.

Another example would be a seemingly minor accident that requires major surgery or long-term/daily coordinated physical therapy that far exceeds the amount of money recommended by the insurance company immediately. By settling quickly, you may be stuck with the cost of these ongoing losses, which is ultimately your responsibility. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) prioritizes considering all potential costs before settling. To achieve full reimbursement, evaluate all upfront and future economic costs and consider these costs before stating, "I'll take the money."

Legal and Insurance Complications

The agreements we enter into with insurance companies almost always include certain provisions that limit available legal options and any possible claims. Accepting money too quickly may limit your right to future claims.

Many insurance companies routinely pressure accident victims to accept lower amounts than what they deserve, particularly if there are no apparent injuries. Be sure you have read all documents before entering into a settlement agreement.

Accepting a settlement early can inadvertently prevent you from receiving compensation for any future medical treatment, lost wages, or vehicle replacement due to total loss. Legal professionals, typically personal injury attorneys, can be valuable in identifying provisions in settlement agreements that may adversely affect a claim. 

They also ensure the agreement meets your current and future financial needs, regarding liability exposure.

Emotional and Psychological Impacts

Car accidents frequently entail trauma, but it is not necessarily seen as physical injuries. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and emotional distress might take time to materialize after the conclusion of the car accident claims process. Rushed settlements frequently don't acknowledge the traumas that accompany properly resolving the claim.

Compensatory damages based on emotional and psychological impacts can add significant value for communication with financial limitations regarding therapy and/or adjustment to quality of life. 

If the process of accepting a settlement is rushed, it can overlook the emotional and psychological impact. Knowing that emotional recovery has been taken into account provides for a more complete offer that considers the physical and psychological impacts of a vehicle accident.

Significant Considerations To Avoid Prematurely Accepting A Settlement

• Seek medical evaluations for potential injuries, even for minor issues.

• Track and record each doctor's appointment, treatment received, and expenses incurred.

• Consult with a legal professional before you sign any documentation.

• Consider what you say to adjusters. Don't admit fault, don't agree to an amount you don't deserve, etc.

Important Takeaways

• You may find hidden injuries after a car crash.

• Quickly accepting settlement offers will often underestimate your total monetary loss.

• Future claims will most often have implications related to complexities instead of insurance policies.

• Emotional recovery associated with psychology is important to use on the road to recovery.

• Keeping thorough records and getting guidance and consultation will respect your interests in the long term.