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A car crash in McAllen, perhaps on the busy Expressway 83 or at a congested intersection, can leave you injured, confused, and overwhelmed. In the days following the accident, you might receive an unexpected phone call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They sound friendly and helpful, and they offer you a quick, low-dollar settlement. They say it will cover your medical bills and property damage, and it will save you the trouble of a long legal process.
You might be tempted to accept the money. It seems easy and fast, and you have bills to pay. But accepting a quick settlement is almost always a mistake. An insurance company is not calling to help you. They are calling to protect their bottom line. I have a saying I live by: Do not accept a quick settlement, and do not sign anything without legal counsel.
Why Insurance Companies Offer a Fast, Low-Dollar Settlement
An insurance company is a business. They make money by collecting premiums and paying out as little as possible in claims. When they offer you a quick settlement, they have one goal: to get you to sign away your legal right to seek full and fair compensation. They know that you are likely in pain, stressed about your finances, and may not fully understand the value of your case. They use this knowledge to their advantage.
The offer is almost always for an amount far below what your case is worth. An insurance adjuster may say they are covering your medical bills, but they are not accounting for future medical care, lost wages, or the full extent of your pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you give up your right to claim any more money for that accident, even if you discover more serious injuries later.
Your Damages Are More Than Just Medical Bills
Your personal injury claim’s full value includes economic and non-economic damages. An insurance company’s quick offer only accounts for a fraction of what you may be owed.
Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses from the accident. They include the costs of your past and future medical care, lost wages from time missed at work, and the cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
Non-economic damages are subjective and more difficult to quantify. They include compensation for your physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life. A serious injury can prevent you from enjoying your hobbies, spending time with your family, or living your life as you did before the crash. Texas law allows you to seek compensation for all of these losses. You deserve to be made whole for everything you have been through.
Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the accident date. This is a critical deadline established by the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. An insurance company knows this deadline is approaching. They might try to stall negotiations to get you to miss the deadline to file a lawsuit in a court, such as the Hidalgo County District Court. If you miss this crucial deadline, your case will almost certainly be dismissed, and you will lose your right to seek compensation.
This is a common tactic to pressure you. The adjuster might say, “We just need a little more time to review this,” to run out the clock. This is why you must have someone on your side who understands the law and is ready to fight.
Do Not Talk to the Insurance Adjuster
Any conversation you have with an insurance adjuster can be used against you. They will try to get you to say something that minimizes your injuries or suggests you were at fault for the crash. They might record your call without your full knowledge.
You are not required to give a statement. In fact, I advise you not to talk to them at all. I will handle all communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for you. From the moment you hire me, the calls stop coming to you. All communication goes through my office, which protects you from saying anything that could harm your case.
Why You Need a Strong Advocate
A fast settlement offer indicates that the insurance company believes they are at fault for your accident. They are trying to close the case quickly and cheaply before you can seek legal counsel and fully understand the value of your claim.
I am an attorney who prides himself on outworking the other side. My team and I are like a machine, relentlessly working to build the strongest possible case for you. I approach every case ready to take on the biggest insurance companies. No one will outwork me, and I take a personal, face-to-face approach with every client.
I am here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. I know that a quick settlement offer seems easy, but I promise you that it is worth it to fight for more. My job is to handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
If you have been injured in an accident and the insurance company pressures you, do not accept their offer. Call me today for a free and confidential consultation. The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa is ready to stand by your side. Call me at 956-707-3610 to get the help you need.
