July 9th, 2026
Accident Victims Beware: The Dangers of Early Settlement Offers from Insurance Companies
Posted in: Personal Injury Tagged: Jamie Alvarado-Taylor, Naila A. Apolito
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, do not accept any settlement offer or sign any paperwork from an insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll P.C. today at 301-738-2222 for a free consultation to learn about your rights.
The Tactic Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know About
In Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. accident victims have a right to file a claim for compensation when they are injured because of another person’s fault. There is a troubling trend among insurance carriers that is putting accident victims at risk of losing their right to be fairly compensated after an accident. This is occurring in accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles regardless of whether the injured person was a driver, passenger, pedestrian, in a ride-share or even riding a bicycle.
Within the first few days after a collision, many accident victims are receiving phone calls from insurance adjusters who represent the at-fault driver. The main objective of these calls is to get an accident victim to sign away their rights and close out the claim before they even know what the full impact of their injuries and economic losses will be.
Why These Offers Are Almost Never Enough
The insurance adjusters offer money, which they claim will cover medical expenses. The amount they offer may seem sufficient at first, but in reality, it may not cover all of your economic losses, such as past and future medical bills, lost income, and other non-economic losses, also referred to as “pain and suffering.” Pain and suffering is a term used to describe the pain, discomfort, anguish, inconvenience, and emotional trauma that often accompanies a disabling injury. All of these factors should be considered before accepting any compensation for your case.
The Risks You Take by Settling Too Soon
In the first few days or weeks after a collision, you may not know the full extent of your injuries or what your total economic losses will be. Early settlement offers are rarely enough to fairly compensate an accident victim. Once you agree to a settlement and sign a release, you forever give up any rights you may have to obtain money from the at-fault person or company and their insurance carrier even if your injury or medical care continues. That means if you need additional surgery, physical therapy, or time away from work, you will have no way to recover those costs.
What to Do If an Insurance Company Contacts You
If an insurance company tries this early settlement tactic on you, reach out to an attorney immediately. If you receive a check, do not cash it or allow it to be direct deposited, and do not sign any paperwork without consulting with an attorney. It is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident in order to fully understand your rights.
Protect Your Rights and Contact Us Today
Do not let an insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. At Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll, P.C., our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you understand the true value of your claim and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to. We offer a free consultation to new and existing clients.
📞 Call us today at 301-738-2222 🌐 Visit us online at www.steinsperling.com
Serving clients throughout Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll P.C.
