What is a Reasonable Settlement Offer After an Accident | Staver
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What is a Reasonable Settlement Offer After an Accident in Illinois?

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 25 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents, Insurance


Car accidents can be overwhelming. From dealing with injuries to managing car repairs, lost wages, and mounting medical bills, the last thing you want is to settle for less than you deserve. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to resolve claims quickly and for as little as possible—sometimes offering settlements that barely cover your expenses.

If you’ve received a settlement offer after a crash, don’t accept it immediately. It is essential to evaluate whether it fully compensates you for your injuries, damages, and future expenses. Here’s what you need to know before signing anything. 

Insurance Companies Prioritize Profits Over Your Recovery

After a car accident, you may expect the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover all your expenses. However, insurance companies are businesses focused on maximizing profits—not ensuring your well-being. They aim to pay as little as possible while closing your claim quickly.

Adjusters use various tactics to justify low settlement offers, including:

Downplaying your injuries

They may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, especially if you delayed seeking medical treatment.

Blaming pre-existing conditions

If you have a prior injury or medical condition, they might claim that your current pain is unrelated to the accident.

Questioning medical treatment

If you received care from a chiropractor or physical therapist instead of a medical doctor, they may try to deny or reduce compensation for those treatments.

Pressuring you to accept quickly

Insurers often offer a low settlement soon after the accident, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full extent of your damages. 

How Insurance Adjusters Determine Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters assess claims based on several factors, including:

  • Medical expenses: The cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
  • Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle, plus any other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering, as well as reduced future earning capacity if you’re unable to return to work at full capacity.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the accident’s impact on your daily life.
  • Comparative fault: If they can argue that you were partially responsible for the crash, they may reduce your settlement accordingly.

Even if your claim is strong, the insurance company may undervalue it or exclude key damages in its initial offer.

Red Flags That Your Settlement Offer Is Too Low

If you’re unsure whether your offer is fair, watch for these warning signs:

It arrives too soon

If you receive a settlement offer shortly after the accident, it’s likely a lowball attempt to close your case quickly.

It doesn’t cover future medical expenses

If you have ongoing treatment, surgeries, or therapy needs, your settlement should account for those costs.

It doesn’t include pain and suffering

Insurance companies sometimes try to pay only for medical bills and property damage, ignoring the emotional and physical toll of the accident.

It requires you to sign a release quickly

Once you accept a settlement, you forfeit the right to pursue additional compensation—even if new medical issues arise. 

Why You Shouldn’t Accept the First Offer Without Legal Advice

Insurance companies are banking on the fact that most accident victims don’t know what their case is truly worth. They may try to convince you that their offer is “fair” or that this is the most you can get. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to calculate damages and push back against unfair tactics accurately.

By consulting an attorney, you can:

  • Understand the true value of your claim and ensure all damages—including future expenses—are accounted for.
  • Gather strong evidence, such as medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction reports, to prove the extent of your losses.
  • Negotiate a higher settlement based on what your case is actually worth.
  • Take the case to court if needed. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, an attorney can file a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court.

Get a Chicago Accident Injury Lawyer to Fight for the Compensation You Deserve

Negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional impact of a crash. But you don’t have to face it alone.

At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we’ve helped countless car accident victims secure fair compensation. We know the tactics insurers use and how to fight back. Whether your accident happened in Chicago, Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, Waukegan, or surrounding areas, we’re ready to help. 

Get a free consultation today. Call (312) 236-2900 to discuss your case. You don’t pay unless we win.

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