Do I Have to Accept an Insurance Adjuster’s Offer? 

You have every right to reject the insurance adjuster’s offer and negotiate for a better settlement amount. When an injured victim accepts the first offer, they often leave money on the table, unaware of the true value of economic and non-economic losses.

After an accident, you may be tempted to accept whatever an insurance company offers you without argument. If you desperately need the money to clear your medical bills as they pile up, you may think the best solution is to accept the first offer from the insurance company.

However, it is often possible for an insurance company to capitalize on the uncertainty and stress of the victim to get them to accept a lower initial settlement.

Only accept an offer from an insurance adjuster after first speaking to a trusted injury attorney. An attorney has the right knowledge and experience to determine if the proposal is fair. If need be, the attorney can negotiate with the insurance provider to obtain a larger settlement amount.

What Are Your Options After an Insurance Adjusters Offer?

Don’t be surprised to receive a quick settlement offer from your insurance company immediately after an accident. Unfortunately, if you accept the initial settlement offer, you cannot request more compensation if you realize the damages are worse than you anticipated.

An insurance adjuster may be quick to table a proposal to minimize the window of speaking to an attorney who can give you an idea of the true value of your claim. 

You have several options when an insurance adjuster makes a settlement offer:

• Accept the proposal if you believe it is a fair representation of your damages
• Issue a counter-proposal with a just value of your losses
• Decline the offer and sue the liable party
• Consult an attorney if you’re not sure about the next steps 

Why You Should Pause Before Accepting an Insurance Adjuster’s Offer

Insurance companies make quick offers, hoping that the victim will believe the settlement is significant and appropriate.

However, the victim has little information on the potential injury-related costs. You may not have a firm grip on your injuries until you’ve had time to undergo necessary treatments, surgeries, medication, therapy, and rehabilitation.

Therefore, it is ill-advised to accept a settlement offer before:

• You understand your treatment plan
• You have obtained maximum medical improvement
• You become aware of the potential damages in your case.

How to Negotiate for a Fair Settlement Amount

If you’re pursuing a fair settlement amount for your injuries, you need to support your arguments with substantial evidence. Suppose you’re looking for a settlement amount worth $1,000,000 for a traumatic brain injury sustained by a family member.

In that case, you should gather evidence that proves that the at-fault party acted negligently, leading to the accident. The best way to do this is by hiring a St. Louis injury attorney who can gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case. 

A lawyer can help you compile the following pieces of evidence:

• Police report
• Eye witness statements
• Video surveillance
• Medical documents
• Expert testimony
• Video surveillance

Speak with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and negotiate for a fair settlement offer. 

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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