When you’re involved in a car accident, everything moves fast — except the healing process. While you’re dealing with injuries, missing work, and repairing your vehicle, the insurance company often seems like it’s in a hurry to settle. They’ll come at you with paperwork, offers, and sometimes even pressure tactics to get you to sign off quickly.
Take it from me — I’m Francis Pommett, and as an attorney who’s helped many people through these situations, the first offer is almost never the best offer. Today, I want to walk you through how to handle a car accident settlement the right way, so you don’t end up getting shortchanged when you need the money the most.
Don’t Rush Into a Settlement
After an accident, it’s tempting to want to “get it over with” and move on. Insurance companies know this, and they use it to their advantage. They’ll often offer you a fast settlement check, hoping you’ll take it before you realize the full cost of your injuries or the impact on your life.
The problem is that once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more — even if you later need expensive medical treatment, physical therapy, or miss more work than you thought.
The truth is, you may not know the full extent of your injuries until days, weeks, or even months after the accident. Always give yourself time to heal and understand your situation before agreeing to anything.
Know What Your Case Is Worth
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not knowing how much their claim is really worth. It’s not just about repairing your car or paying the emergency room bill. You need to think about:
- Future medical expenses (like surgeries, therapy, prescriptions)
- Lost wages (and lost future earning potential)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life (if you can’t do things you once loved)
A good settlement should cover everything, not just the bills you’ve already seen. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is so important — we know how to properly calculate damages and fight for what you truly deserve.
Be Careful What You Say to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to get information that can be used against you. They might sound friendly on the phone, but make no mistake — they work for the insurance company, not for you.
Here’s a few rules to follow when dealing with insurance reps:
- Stick to the basic facts: where and when the accident happened, the vehicles involved, and whether you’ve sought medical attention.
- Avoid speculating about fault or saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I’m fine” — it can be twisted and used to reduce your claim.
- Never agree to a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first.
Remember, everything you say can (and often will) be used against you later.
Document Everything
If you want to strengthen your claim and protect yourself from being shortchanged, documentation is your best friend.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your car, and your injuries.
- Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and prescriptions.
- Track any time you miss from work.
- Write down how your injuries impact your daily life (pain levels, activities you can’t do, emotional struggles).
Having a solid paper trail makes it much harder for an insurance company to deny or minimize your claim.
Understand the Value of Legal Representation
I get it — some people are hesitant to get an attorney involved. They worry about costs or think they can handle it themselves. But here’s the honest truth: People who work with personal injury attorneys generally receive higher settlements than those who don’t.
An experienced lawyer — like myself, Francis Pommett — knows how to deal with insurance companies, gather the right evidence, calculate full damages, and negotiate hard. We also know when to say, “No deal,” and take the case to court if necessary.
Plus, most personal injury attorneys (including me) work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. So there’s no risk in getting professional help.
Be Patient — Good Settlements Take Time
One of the hardest parts of the process is patience. The insurance company is counting on you getting tired and desperate. They know you might be facing mounting bills and limited income.
But good settlements take time — time to gather evidence, time to properly assess your injuries, and time to negotiate a fair outcome. Rushing almost always leaves money on the table.
Trust the process. It’s better to wait and get the settlement you deserve than to accept a lowball offer and struggle financially later.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Future
A car accident can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt, you deserve a settlement that truly compensates you for everything you’ve lost and endured. Don’t let the insurance company’s rush tactics trick you into settling for less than you need.
Take your time, know your worth, document everything, and don’t be afraid to get professional help. As someone who has seen too many good people get shortchanged, trust me — standing up for yourself now will make a big difference in your future.
And remember, if you ever need guidance, I’m here to help.