When a person is recovering from a commercial truck accident, an early settlement offer from an insurance company can feel like a lifeline. With medical bills piling up and income lost from missed work, the pressure to accept any amount of money is immense. A new article from The Graham Firm, a top-rated Georgia personal injury law firm, sheds light on this difficult situation. The content, "What Happens When You Reject An Insurance Settlement Offer After A Truck Accident," explains the negotiation process and why the first offer is rarely the best one.
The article points out that an insurance adjuster's primary role is to settle claims for the lowest possible amount, protecting the company's bottom line. These initial offers often fail to cover the true, long-term costs of an accident. For example, a back injury that seems manageable at first could worsen over time, requiring physical therapy or even surgery, not accounted for in an early offer. The proposal might cover wages for a few missed workdays, but it won't address a person's diminished earning capacity if they can no longer perform their job. Furthermore, these offers typically ignore non-economic damages, such as the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Cashing that first check means signing a release, permanently ending any chance for future payment.
"Many accident victims feel pressured to accept the first offer, fearing it's their only chance for compensation. This is a costly misconception," states Atlanta truck accident attorney Charles Graham, founder of The Graham Firm. "Insurance companies are protecting their profits, not the victims' future. Understanding the process of rejection and negotiation is the first step toward a settlement that truly covers long-term medical needs, lost earning capacity, and the profound personal impact of a serious accident."
Rejecting an initial offer is a standard part of the claims process. It begins with a formal rejection letter sent by certified mail to create a paper trail. This is followed by a counteroffer in the form of a detailed demand letter. This document makes a fact-based argument for a higher settlement. It includes a summary of the accident, an explanation of the other party's fault, a complete list of medical treatments and their costs, proof of lost wages, and a calculation for future expenses and pain and suffering damages.
From there, a period of negotiation begins. An adjuster may question the severity of injuries or drag out response times to test a person's patience. If talks stall, the next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a common tactic that often leads to a better settlement, as most cases are resolved before reaching a courtroom. Filing a suit gives an attorney access to more information, including the ability to question witnesses under oath and demand records from the trucking company. This added pressure, combined with the two-year deadline in Georgia to file a suit, frequently results in a more appropriate offer. The firm’s new article gives accident victims the knowledge to challenge an inadequate offer and work toward the financial stability needed for recovery.
About The Graham Firm
Known as "The Big Truck Lawyers," The Graham Firm is a top-rated Georgia-based personal injury law firm with a dedicated focus on serious accidents, including truck, car, and motorcycle collisions, as well as wrongful death claims. With over two decades of experience and more than $80 million recovered for clients, the firm has a proven track record of success. Their team includes seasoned investigators and accident reconstructionists who build strong cases. The Graham Firm is committed to helping clients handle the complexities of insurance claims to achieve the justice and compensation they deserve.
