Flagstaff Car Accident Lawyers Protecting You During Settlement Negotiations
You're still dealing with pain from injuries sustained in a crash on Interstate 40 when the insurance company calls with what seems like a generous settlement offer. While the prospect of quick money to cover medical bills is tempting, rushing to accept the first offer could leave you with insufficient funds for your ongoing care.
At Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC, we've helped countless Northern Arizona car accident victims secure fair compensation for their injuries. We understand the financial pressure you're under, but we also know that initial settlement offers rarely reflect the actual value of your claim. Our Flagstaff car accident lawyers are ready to represent you during settlement negotiations and advocate on your behalf.
How Car Accident Claims Work in Flagstaff
After a car accident in Flagstaff, you'll typically file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. The insurance adjuster will review the accident report, medical records, and other documentation before making an initial settlement offer.
Insurance companies aim to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount. They know that accident victims often face mounting medical bills and lost wages, making them more likely to accept a fast settlement that may not cover all their expenses.
Reasons Not to Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers that seem generous at first glance. Based on our experience, however, we know this is only sometimes the case. Often, the initial settlement is nowhere near what folks need to recover:
Your Injuries May Not Be Fully Known
Many car accident injuries take weeks or months to manifest fully. What seems like minor neck pain could develop into a chronic condition requiring long-term treatment. You may need ongoing physical therapy, follow-up procedures, or modifications to your home or vehicle. A hasty settlement could leave you paying these expenses out of pocket.
Lost Income Adds Up
Beyond immediate lost wages, serious injuries can affect your future earning capacity. The financial impact could be substantial if you can't return to your previous job or must switch careers. Early settlements rarely account for long-term income losses.
Non-Economic Damages Deserve Consideration
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are valid damages that insurance companies often minimize in initial offers. Any diminishment in your quality of life (as a result of the accident) may be compensable.
Your Property Damage May Be Undervalued
Initial settlement offers might not account for diminished vehicle value after repairs, aftermarket modifications, or custom features. Additionally, if your car was totaled, the insurance company's valuation may not reflect current market prices or your car's actual condition before the crash.
Insurance Coverage Limits May Not Be Verified
The initial offer might only reflect some available insurance coverage. Additional policies, including umbrella coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, could provide more compensation than what's initially offered.
Multiple Parties Could Be Liable
Early settlements might only address the apparent at-fault driver while missing other liable parties. For example, a vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, government entity responsible for road maintenance, or even the at-fault driver's employer might share responsibility.
We May Still Uncover Evidence
Important evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, or cellphone records might not be available immediately after the accident. A thorough investigation takes time and could reveal facts that significantly increase your claim's value.
What to Do If You Receive a Settlement Offer
If and when you do receive an offer, have a Flagstaff car accident lawyer from our firm review it before you sign anything. The attorneys at Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC can assess whether the amount fairly compensates you. Here’s what our lawyers do:
- We examine your medical records and accident reports to ensure they accurately reflect your injuries and the crash circumstances. Missing or incorrect information could affect your settlement value.
- We calculate your current and projected medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses.
- We think about your ongoing medical care, rehabilitation costs, and potential career impacts. We factor these long-term expenses into your settlement evaluation.
Can the Insurance Company Take Back Their Offer If I Don't Accept It Immediately?
Insurance companies often use pressure tactics, suggesting their offer is only good for a limited time. However, they cannot legally withdraw an offer simply because you want time to consider it or seek legal counsel. While claim values can change based on new evidence or circumstances, taking time to evaluate an offer won't automatically invalidate it.
How Long Do I Have to Accept or Reject a Settlement Offer?
Arizona's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. While this doesn't directly control settlement negotiations, it's important to understand this timeline. The insurance company may try to delay negotiations until you're close to this deadline, hoping you'll accept a lower offer out of desperation.
How a Flagstaff Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
The legal team at Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC negotiates with insurance companies daily. We understand their tactics and know how to build strong cases that support fair settlement values. Our attorneys gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and calculate the full extent of your damages to ensure any settlement reflects your actual losses.
How a Counteroffer Works in Settlement Talks
When we receive an insufficient settlement offer, we prepare a detailed counteroffer supported by evidence. Our offer includes medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of all your damages. We negotiate firmly but professionally, always keeping your best interests in mind.
If You Need to Go to Court
If settlement talks stall, the trial attorneys at Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC have extensive experience presenting cases to juries throughout Northern Arizona. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we're ready to advocate for you in court if needed.