May 13, 2025 | Settlements
After an unexpected accident, you may be entitled to file an insurance claim to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses, especially if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. In such cases, the at-fault party’s insurance company may owe you compensation, often leading to settlement negotiations.
However, navigating an insurance claim can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. Mounting medical bills and lost income may pressure you to accept the first settlement offer. But be cautious—initial offers are often much lower than what your claim is truly worth. That’s why it’s wise to consult a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case, advocate on your behalf, and help you secure the full compensation you deserve.
However, navigating an insurance claim can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. Mounting medical bills and lost income may pressure you to accept the first settlement offer. But be cautious—initial offers are often much lower than what your claim is truly worth. That’s why it’s wise to consult a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case, advocate on your behalf, and help you secure the full compensation you deserve.
What Is a Settlement Offer?
A settlement is a legally binding agreement between two parties in a dispute. A settlement can avoid costly litigation and help both sides move forward. In a personal injury claim, settlements involve the injured claimant and the at-fault party whose negligence caused an accident.
The settlement process usually begins with a claim being submitted to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurer, through claims adjusters, will investigate the claim and calculate its worth. You will be asked to provide information and communicate with the insurer as they collect information.
The insurance company will complete its investigation, then can either make an offer or deny the claim. The insurance company’s settlement offer is intended to address your medical costs and injuries, while avoiding a potential lawsuit and court judgment.
Why Not Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?
It is tempting to accept the first settlement offer made to you. This way, you can quickly cover financial losses and put money back in your pocket. The trouble is that initial settlement offers rarely cover the full scope of losses you might face after an accident.
Injuries from an accident can require ongoing medical treatment, limit your ability to get back to work, and result in long-lasting pain and suffering. Settlements typically include language barring you from filing a personal injury lawsuit against the insured party for the accident once you are paid.
This means that once you cash a settlement check, you can find yourself paying in the future for:
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Occupational therapy
- Counseling
- Property damage not covered by the settlement payment
- Lost future income due to long-term injuries or disability from the accident.
Also, let’s face it: insurance companies don’t stay profitable by making generous first settlement offers. They will more often send a lowball offer in hopes that an unaware claimant will accept and end their claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know the games played by insurance companies and demand a fair settlement for your full range of injuries and losses.
Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
Accident victims can be entitled to both economic damages and non-economic damages for their injuries. Economic damages are the pocketbook impacts of an accident—such as medical bills, lost wages, and other financial costs. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, loss of companionship, disability, disfigurement, and other such losses that can have long-term consequences.
Rarely does an insurance company’s first offer cover all of these potential losses. An attorney can make sure your claims are fully addressed as part of your financial settlement.
Contact the Scranton Settlements Lawyers of Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for Help Today
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you could seek compensation in a personal injury claim. Typically, you would seek payment from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. The insurance company will investigate and might make an initial settlement offer. Before accepting a first settlement offer, you should consult with a Scranton personal injury lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced settlements attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Honesdale, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Honesdale
520 Main St, Honesdale, PA 18431
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878
