Insurance companies frequently offer a settlement before an individual finishes their medical treatment or can seek advice from a Missouri personal injury attorney. But agreeing to an insurer's offer without legal guidance is almost never a good idea. After sustaining injuries from an accident, the last concern should be negotiating with the insurance company. 
Accepting an Early Settlement Offer Can Be Costly
After you say yes to an offer from the insurance company, you waive your right to seek further compensation for your losses. This means, you can't ask for additional money later, even if you learn you need more medical help or treatment for long-term injuries.
Why Insurance Companies Offer Early Settlements
The insurance company is not your advocate, ally, or friend. It only cares about its bottom line. Insurance companies are for-profit corporations, and they maximize their profits by paying out as little as possible on claims. An insurance adjuster will likely contact you when you’re most vulnerable and you’ve barely started recovering from your injuries, urging you to accept an early offer.
How to Know if Your Settlement Offer Is Fair
The value of a personal injury claim depends on the specific details of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Paul Beck and John Beck can calculate the value of your claim, so you can evaluate any offer you might receive.
Damages That May Be Included in Your Settlement
- Current medical bills and future bills
- Lost wages
- Damage to property
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Physical changes or scars
- Loss of companionship
Generally, the more serious or catastrophic the injuries, the more money the case could be worth. However, you cannot know for certain how much your medical bills will be or how much money you might lose from being out of work until you reach maximum medical improvement.
A Missouri personal injury attorney can help investigate all available compensation that you are eligible to receive. Multiple parties may be liable for your injuries, and there may be several types of insurance coverage from which you can collect. A fair settlement will seek all damages you are entitled to from all available sources.
Why You Should Talk to a Missouri Accident Injury Attorney
Accidents often wreak havoc on your physical health, emotional stability, and financial well-being. If you've been injured in an accident, it's important to understand your legal options for pursuing compensation. An experienced accident injury lawyer can increase your chances of getting a fair settlement from an insurance company, and they will guide you through the legal process and work to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Benefits of Hiring a Missouri Attorney for Settlement Negotiations
- You won't hastily agree to a settlement that doesn't adequately reflect your injuries.
- You are able to focus on your recovery while an attorney does the legal work.
- You will have the means to fight for maximum financial compensation for your injuries.
- You increase the chances of a fair settlement.
Missouri enforces firm time limits, known as the statute of limitations, for personal injury cases. For the majority of these cases, you have a 5-year deadline from the date of your injury. An injury accident attorney can ensure you don't miss any important deadlines involving your claim. Our accomplished legal team can handle your financial recovery efforts, so you can focus on your recovery.