Questions to Ask Before Fast Settlements

It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to make a quick settlement offer after an accident. This is a way for them to minimize their payout by getting you to settle before you are fully aware of the extent of your injuries or losses.

As tempting as it might be to grab the money and move on with your life, it’s essential that you discuss your case with an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer before you accept any offer. Also, ask yourself whether the settlement covers all of your current and future medical costs, the possibility that you can’t return to work any time soon, and pain and suffering.

Questions Related to Medical Care

After an accident, you may not be aware of the full extent of your injuries. For example, the sore neck you wrote off as a mild strain could evolve into something requiring surgery. You want to make sure you are compensated for this possibility, or you might end up with some surprise costs after a quick settlement that you weren’t expecting.

Before accepting an offer, ask yourself (and your doctor):

•  Am I fully recovered? 
• Could my injuries worsen or need treatment in the future? 
• How much will future physical therapy, medication, surgery, or other medical care cost?

Questions Regarding Finances

A fair settlement should cover lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and the impact your injury or disability will have on your future earning ability. Ask yourself:

• How much work will I miss?
• Will my injuries impact my ability to earn a living?
• Will my injuries ruin my career possibilities?
• Will all or part of the settlement be taxed? 
• Are there any liens (e.g., unpaid medical bills, remaining car loan balance, etc.) that need to be paid?
• Is the offer the maximum under the at-fault insurance policy?
•  If I settle now but develop complications from the injury in the future, can I go back to the at-fault party or insurance company for more money?

Questions About Your Quality of Life

Emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulty returning to a normal life after an accident can have a real and significant impact on the quality of your life. Ask yourself:

• Am I having trouble sleeping or focusing on work?
• Am I having nightmares, sweats, heart palpitations, or bouts of high anxiety?
• Am I having trouble being intimate or maintaining personal relationships?

Non-economic damages can be harder to quantify than hard costs, but should still be included in a claim. 

Gage Mathers Is Here to Help

If you get a fast settlement offer, take a deep breath and relax. Remember that first offers are rarely the best offer, and insurance companies don’t have your interests at heart. They’re only interested in keeping their own costs as low as possible.

That said, don’t wait too long. Contact Gage Mathers today for a free consultation. We will explain your legal options and any hidden issues in fast settlement deals so you don’t leave any money on the table that you may be entitled to!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
JD’s Profile