4 Things You Can Do If Your Bills Are Higher Than A Settlement Offer
What happens when a car accident settlement offer doesn’t come close to covering what you owe? Unfortunately, this situation happens more often than you might think, and it can be both financially and emotionally overwhelming.
A knowledgeable Orlando personal injury attorney can review your case, identify hidden damages, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Before signing anything, cashing any checks, or accepting any settlements, take the time to protect your rights. Always speak to a experienced accident attorney before speaking to any insurance company.
Why Settlements Fall Short
There are several reasons your settlement might not match the real cost of your injuries and losses. For one, there may be an underestimation of medical fees. After an accident, you may initially receive emergency care and basic treatment. However, many injuries require ongoing therapy, surgery, or long-term medication. If your claim was settled too early, those future medical costs might not have been accounted for.
Additionally, insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts. Adjusters may offer a settlement that seems reasonable at first glance but fails to reflect the full extent of your damages. They might downplay your injuries or question the necessity of certain medical treatments.
There are also times when liability disputes or coverage limits restrict how much money is available. For example, if the at-fault driver only carries Florida’s minimum insurance coverage, the insurer may only pay up to their policy limits, even if your medical bills are significantly higher.
Plus, beyond medical care, you might face additional financial strain from lost wages, physical therapy, or assistive devices. If these weren’t properly documented or included in the original settlement, you could end up short.
If you are in a situation where you are facing down a lowball offer, there are things you can do to protect yourself from undue loss.
- Don’t accept an offer without legal advice. Once you sign a release accepting a settlement, you generally cannot pursue additional compensation, even if your bills increase later. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an experienced lawyer before agreeing to any payout.
- Challenge the settlement. If you haven’t finalized the agreement, your lawyer can gather updated medical records, expert opinions, and financial documentation to prove that your current and future expenses are higher than what the insurer offered.
- Explore all sources of compensation. Should the at-fault driver’s policy not cover your full damages, your lawyer may look into other options, such as your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), or even pursuing a third-party claim against another responsible party.
- Negotiate medical liens and bills. Even after settlement, your attorney can often negotiate with hospitals, doctors, or insurers to reduce the total amount you owe. Medical providers sometimes agree to lower bills once they understand the limits of your recovery.
If your medical bills and accident-related costs are higher than the settlement you’ve been offered, don’t assume you’re out of options. Connecting with an Orlando personal injury attorney can make a significant difference.
Get Professional Help Before You Settle
Are you juggling a lot of accident-related bills? To ensure you receive a full and fair settlement, partner with the attorneys at Israoui Law. For the personal attention you deserve, call 407-381-4529.
