6 Lessons From Settling a Car Accident Insurance Claim Early
The immediate aftermath of a car accident is a stressful place to be. The pressure to resolve matters quickly can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often capitalize on this vulnerability by offering quick settlements that may not serve your best interests.
Chris Mova is a personal injury attorney and founder of Mova Law Group based in San Diego with extensive experience representing accident victims across California. We asked him to share his expert insights from his professional and personal experience.
“Quick settlements rarely account for the full scope of damages you might face weeks or months after an accident,” says Mova.
Mova shares from personal experience: “My parents settled my childhood accident claim early before understanding the full extent of my traumatic brain injury. The settlement covered barely a fraction of years of speech therapy costs, financially crippling my immigrant family. This is the experience that drives my commitment to protect clients from similar hardships.”
1. The True Cost of Injuries Takes Time to Manifest
Many accident victims don’t realize that some injuries, particularly those affecting the spine or brain, may not show immediate symptoms.
There have been so many cases where clients accepted early offers only to discover their injuries required ongoing treatment that far exceeded their settlement amount. And as Mova points out. “Once you sign a release, you cannot go back for additional compensation, no matter how your condition changes.”
2. Insurance Adjusters Work for the Insurance Company, Not You
Insurance representatives may project concern for your wellbeing, but their primary goal is to minimize their company’s financial exposure.
Insurance companies train their adjusters to build rapport and gain your trust, creating an impression they’re looking out for you. This tactic often leads to settlements far below what victims legally deserve.
3. Your Pain and Suffering Has Value
Early settlements typically focus on immediate medical bills and property damage, often excluding compensation for pain, suffering, and long-term impact on your quality of life.
“The emotional and physical toll of an accident extends far beyond initial treatment costs,” says Mova.
These non-economic damages are legitimate parts of your claim that early settlements frequently ignore.
4. The Power of Professional Representation
Studies consistently show that accident victims who retain legal representation receive significantly higher compensation than those who negotiate directly with insurance companies.
According to Mova, this isn’t coincidental. “Insurance companies offer their lowest amounts to unrepresented claimants because they know these individuals lack the experience to recognize inadequate offers or the leverage to demand fair compensation.”
5. One Settlement Chance Is All You Get
Perhaps the most critical lesson from early settlements is their finality.
Once you accept payment and sign a release, you forever waive your right to seek additional compensation — even if your medical condition deteriorates dramatically.
6. Early Settlement Offers Are Almost Always Initial Negotiations
Insurance companies typically begin with lowball offers, expecting negotiation.
“First offers should be viewed as starting points, not final opportunities,” Mova says.
The initial figure is almost certainly significantly below what the insurance company is prepared to pay.
