Quick settlement offers are a common tactic that insurance companies use to get car accident victims to actually accept less than they deserve.
Picture this: you were involved in a car accident with an Uber driver. The car accident wasn’t your fault, and since you’ve suffered some injuries and car damages, you wanted to collect through an insurance claim.
The internet is full of stories with people going head to head with Uber, and from their stories it seems like Uber isn’t really the kind of business to own up to their mistakes. The process may take some a long time to resolve, and victims of these accidents often have to fight to get compensated.
However, what if your case isn’t like that? In fact, Uber has quickly made an offer!
Here’s why you shouldn’t take it just yet.
It’s a Common Tactic in the Claims’ World
Getting an offer quickly after you started the claims’ process is very tempting. After all, you may have medical bills piling up, and other financial hardships that could be resolved just by signing that settlement agreement.
However, quick offers are a common tactic that insurance companies use to get car accident victims to actually accept less than they deserve. The insurance adjuster will generally seem very sympathetic to your situation, let you know that they know you are not at fault for the incident and claim they are trying to help you.
Then they quickly present an offer, saying it’s the best they could do. Not only that, but the offer may also have a tight deadline attached to it, meaning if you don’t accept it soon, they will pull it, and you risk not getting anything.
Of course, car accident victims often fall for this tactic, considering they are under financial pressure. The insurance company knows Uber is responsible for covering your damages, but after some specific costs, such as your medical bills which are clear, other costs are estimated.
For example, if the car accident left you with emotional suffering and future medical expenses. What kind of price can you put on that? You’d have to negotiate for it, and you may not have that kind of experience. However, an experienced car accident lawyer does.
Speak With an Attorney Before Signing Anything!
If you haven’t worked with a lawyer from the get-go, it is a good idea to consult with one prior to accepting Uber’s offer.
A car accident settlement should include many expenses, some of which have to be estimated:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
A St. Louis Uber accident lawyer can look at your case, analyzing your medical files, bills, and how the incident overall impacted your life, and then estimate how much you are legally entitled to. In most cases, that number is nowhere near the company’s initial offer.