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When an insurance company offers a settlement, how you reply has substantial legal and financial ramifications.
Reacting to this offer should not be done in haste.
It requires an analysis of several factors and a review by an experienced personal injury attorney.
An initially offered settlement likely will not fully compensate you. It is unwise to accept without legal representation, as doing so may remove your ability to get additional deserved compensation.
Do not agree orally, via email, letter, or via text to the offer without consulting a lawyer.
However, this does not mean you should immediately decline the offer.
Below, we go over what happens when you reject a settlement offer. If you have questions or would like to speak with an experienced Wyoming personal injury lawyer, contact us today.
Can You Reject a Settlement Offer?
Unless you refuse a settlement offer under the advice of your attorney, this is also an unwise and dangerous legal choice.
There are facts, legal arguments, and standard requests that an experienced lawyer may present on your behalf in conjunction with an offer’s decline.
Let’s explore some specific issues with declining an offer.
An Attorney Should Review the Settlement Offer
If you decline the offer, then the potential settlement offer no longer exists. You cannot accept the offer later if you refused it or if the other party withdraws the offer.
While there is often a follow-up offer, you cannot count on receiving one.
An experienced personal injury attorney should determine the strength of the offer before you reply. Hiring them after you reject the offer may be too late.
Counteroffers Are Part of the Process
If you have hired an experienced lawyer, they can counteroffer and negotiate on your behalf.
In this counter, your lawyer will be sure to request reimbursement for your medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs, pain and suffering, and other relevant expenses.
The lawyer’s goal will be to obtain a settlement that is in your best interest.
They also can prepare your case for trial if they cannot reach an acceptable settlement.
Declining a Total Loss Offer Is a Special Circumstance
If you have been in an accident and your car was totaled, you will likely face an even more challenging situation.
Sometimes, you will be inclined to attempt to keep your car, despite the wreckage.
However, you will have a difficult time getting insurance for a car an insurance company has deemed totaled.
Total loss letters are a specialized legal area.
Get legal advice before declining an offer on a totaled vehicle.
They will protect your interests and provide you with realistic options regarding your car.
Whether to reject a settlement offer is an important decision.
Settlement letters are technical, legally complex documents.
You need an experienced personal injury attorney to understand the benefits and challenges of rejecting an offer entirely and to ensure that you have an advocate going forward.
Contact a Wyoming Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Platte River Injury Law, we deal with personal injury cases throughout the state of Wyoming.
We provide first-class legal work and go above and beyond to empower you to protect your wallet, physical health, and peace of mind.
Founded by Wyoming native Jeremy Platte, Platte River Injury Law is passionate about making life better for real people, with compassion and excellent legal advocacy.
Contact us today!