By John Arthur 
Does your injury claim seem like a walk in the park?
Well, here’s a little secret…
The truth is most people significantly underestimate the severity of their injury claims. They settle for pennies on the dollar. They miss critical deadlines. They don’t even know what they’re entitled to in the first place. In fact, according to the latest statistics, 70% of people who held out for a better offer received settlements that were $30,700 higher than those who accepted the insurance company’s first offer.
That’s a huge difference.
But here’s the kicker: You might not even realize your claim is worth more. It’s shockingly common for what seems like a minor fender bender to turn into months (or even years) of medical treatment. The insurance company knows this. They’re banking on the fact that you don’t.
The signs are usually right in front of your face. Working with an experienced litigation lawyer early on can help you uncover the true value of your case before it’s too late.
Here’s what you’ll learn…
- Injuries that show up down the road
- Why your medical bills can skyrocket
- The real cost of lost wages
- Signs the insurance company is lowballing you
Hidden Injuries That Show Up Later
You’ll never guess…
Your body can be really sneaky. It can hide injuries right after an accident. You feel fine. The adrenaline is pumping. But days or weeks later is when problems start to appear.
Take whiplash for example. You’re rear-ended and you think you got away with a minor scrape. But then the neck pain sets in. The headaches come. You can’t turn your head without wincing.
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries often have delayed symptoms too. You could experience memory problems, confusion or mood swings weeks after the accident. These aren’t just annoyances. They’re real medical issues.
Internal injuries are another sneaky problem. If you suddenly feel abdominal pain a few days later, that could signal internal bleeding. These types of injuries might not show up on initial X-rays.
The insurance company loves when you say “I’m fine” right after an accident. Then they circle back to those words later and try to use them against you.
Why Your Medical Bills Might Skyrocket
Here’s a secret that most people don’t know…
That initial visit to the emergency room after your accident is only the beginning. According to data shows, the average auto liability claim for bodily injury in 2022 was $26,501. That’s without catastrophic injury cases which can end up receiving millions of dollars in compensation.
Here’s how your medical costs can balloon…
You get to the ER after your accident. They run some tests. Give you some pain meds. And send you on your way. You think you’re done. But then the pain lingers. You need:
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Specialist appointments
- Physical therapy sessions
- MRI and CT scans
- Prescription medications
- Surgery
Every specialist you visit is hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars added to your bills. Physical therapy can be multiple sessions per week for months on end. Need surgery? That’s tens of thousands of dollars right there.
And don’t forget about future medical costs. Some injuries require lifetime treatment. The insurance company won’t come out and offer to cover future expenses on their own– but that’s part of your claim.
The Real Cost of Missing Work
It’s not just your paycheck.
Sure, you lose out on your regular salary when you miss work. But there’s so much more to consider. Lost overtime and bonus opportunities. Used sick days and vacation time. Some people even lose their jobs because they can’t perform their duties.
But what does it really cost you to miss work?
Let’s say you’re out for three months after your accident. It’s not just three months of lost wages. You’re also losing out on:
- Lost retirement contributions
- Social Security credits
- Health insurance complications
- Career advancement setbacks
And what if you can’t return to your old job? What if your injury means you can’t do the work you’ve been trained for anymore? Now we’re talking about vocational rehab, job retraining, and a lifetime of reduced earnings.
The insurance company will try to lowball these losses. They’ll say you could have returned to work earlier. But your lost income is real– and it’s compensable.
Signs the Insurance Company is Lowballing You
Here’s something that’s infuriating…
Insurance companies are not your friend. They’re a business, and one of the most profitable ways for them to make money is by denying claims.
Here are some red flags to look out for…
They call you immediately after the accident. Trying to catch you off guard before you know the extent of your injuries.
They pressure you into giving a recorded statement. Not to help your case, but to look for things you say they can use against you later.
The settlement offer comes suspiciously soon. If they’re throwing money at you in the days after your accident, it’s because they know something you don’t.
They start disputing your medical treatment. Suddenly they’re medical experts who are “concerned” your treatment was “unnecessary” or “excessive.”
Remember: The insurance company is banking on you being so desperate for money you’ll take their lowball offer.
Know when it gets real?
It’s when you know this isn’t going away. When that “minor” injury turns into a major life disruption.
Here are the telltale signs it’s time to take your claim seriously:
Your symptoms persist or worsen. That “minor” back pain turns into numbness. New symptoms crop up weeks after the accident.
You require surgery or long-term treatment. Once surgery is on the table, you’re in serious claim territory.
You can’t work or your work is limited. Missing a few days is one thing. But weeks or months? The financial stakes rise exponentially.
The insurance company starts playing games. Slow, delayed responses to your communications. Denied treatments. These are signs they’re gearing up to fight.
The longer you wait to take your claim seriously, the more uphill the battle becomes to prove your case.
The Bottom Line on Serious Injury Claims
Here’s what you should take away from this…
Your injury claim is probably worth a lot more than you realize. Those “minor” injuries can turn major. Those “small” medical bills can balloon out of control. And that “generous” settlement offer? Chances are it’s pennies on the dollar.
The insurance company is counting on you not knowing any better.
But now you do.
You know injuries can be sneaky and hidden. You know medical costs can snowball. You know lost wages include much more than your paycheck. You know the insurance company’s games and when it’s time to take your claim seriously.
Don’t let them win. Don’t settle for pennies on the dollar. Your injuries are real, your losses are significant, and your claim is probably more serious than you think.
Take action now. Document everything. Get proper medical treatment. Your future self will thank you.