After a car accident in Charlotte, many victims expect the insurance company to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages fairly. Unfortunately, what many receive is a lowball settlement offer—an amount far below what their claim is truly worth.
At Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen insurance companies use this tactic time and again. Here’s why they do it, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Why Insurance Companies Lowball Victims
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to protect profits—not pay out large claims. Some common reasons for low settlement offers include:
- Profit protection – Paying less means more money for shareholders and executives.
- Hoping you’ll settle quickly – Insurers know accident victims often face mounting bills and lost wages.
- Downplaying injuries – They may argue your injuries are “minor” or unrelated to the crash.
- Exploiting North Carolina’s contributory negligence law – If they can show you were even 1% at fault, they may deny your claim entirely.
- Assuming you don’t know your rights – Without an attorney, insurers expect victims to accept whatever they’re offered.
Common Lowball Tactics
Insurance adjusters use specific strategies to minimize payouts. Watch out for these red flags:
- Offering a settlement before you’ve finished medical treatment.
- Claiming your injuries were pre-existing or caused by something else.
- Ignoring non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Pressuring you to give a recorded statement that could be used against you.
- Delaying the claim process to make you desperate for money.
The True Value of a Car Accident Claim
A fair settlement should account for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Without legal representation, it’s easy to overlook the full scope of your damages—exactly what insurers count on.
How to Fight Back Against a Lowball Offer
If you receive a settlement that feels unfair, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t accept right away – Initial offers are almost always low.
- Calculate your damages – Gather medical bills, lost wage documentation, and other evidence.
- Include non-economic losses – Pain, suffering, and long-term impacts matter.
- Get a second opinion – Consult with an experienced car accident attorney.
- Be prepared to negotiate – Insurers expect pushback from attorneys and often raise offers when challenged.
How a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Helps
Insurance companies take claims more seriously when an attorney is involved. At Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers, we:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly.
- Work with medical and financial experts to project future damages.
- Handle negotiations with insurers.
- File lawsuits if necessary to pursue fair compensation in court.
We level the playing field, so you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
Conclusion
Insurance companies offer lowball settlements because it works—they save money when victims are uninformed or overwhelmed. But you don’t have to accept less than your case is worth.
At Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers, we fight back against unfair tactics and demand full compensation for our clients.
If you’ve been offered a low settlement after a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Better yet, hire a lawyer before you talk to the insurance company so the lawyer is not having to try to fix things you might have said or done, not everything is repairable when you’ve given the insurance company the information already. In other words, waiting till after you have negotiated your case may be too late for a lawyer.
FAQs
1. Why did the insurance company offer me so little?
Insurers protect profits by minimizing payouts. Initial offers are almost always lower than your case is worth.
2. Should I accept the first settlement offer?
No. These offers are often lowball attempts to close your case quickly and cheaply.
3. Can I negotiate with the insurance company myself?
You can, but insurers have experience pressuring victims. Having an attorney often results in significantly higher settlements.
4. What if the insurer says my injuries aren’t related to the accident?
This is a common tactic. Medical records and expert testimony can prove otherwise.
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in North Carolina?
Generally, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
