After a car accident in Tampa, it’s common to get a call from the insurance company offering a quick settlement. It might sound tempting—especially when you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain. But here’s the truth:
You should almost never accept the first offer.
At The Black Law Company, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies try to save money by pressuring injured victims into lowball settlements. Before you agree to anything, here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- First settlement offers are often far below what your claim is truly worth
- Insurance companies want to close your case fast—before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Once you accept, you usually can’t go back or ask for more
- An experienced Tampa car accident lawyer can negotiate for full compensation
- Always review offers with legal counsel before signing anything
Why First Offers Are Usually Too Low
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Their first offer is a starting point, not a reflection of your case’s value. They know you may not yet realize how serious your injuries are—or how long recovery could take.
Once you accept that check, your claim is closed. Even if new symptoms appear later, or you need surgery, you likely won’t be able to reopen the case.
What a Fair Settlement Should Cover
A proper car accident settlement should consider more than just today’s bills. You may be entitled to:
- Emergency room and follow-up medical expenses
- Physical therapy and long-term care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs
If the offer only covers the surface, it’s not enough.
When to Call a Lawyer
It costs nothing to speak with a lawyer before accepting an offer. At The Black Law Company, we’ll review your case for free and give you an honest assessment of what it’s really worth. We’ve helped countless Tampa clients recover far more than what was initially offered.
Call 813-321-7380 today for a free consultation before you settle for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I negotiate with the insurance company myself?
Yes, but without legal knowledge, you’re at a disadvantage. Most people settle for far less than they deserve.
2. How do I know if the offer is fair?
A personal injury lawyer can compare it against similar Tampa cases and your specific damages.
3. What happens if I reject the first offer?
Negotiations continue. Rejecting it doesn’t hurt your case—it’s part of the process.
4. Is there a deadline to accept a settlement offer?
Usually, yes. But don’t let pressure force you to settle without understanding your full injuries.
5. How much more can a lawyer usually get me?
Every case is different, but studies show injury victims represented by lawyers often receive 3x more than those who settle alone.
This post was written by Okoye Morgan Jr., a lawyer with extensive knowledge as a car accident attorney Tampa FL. Okoye is one of the founding partners of The Black Law Company, specializing in personal injury law, trust and estate law, civil litigation law, and criminal defense.
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