Why "Quick Check" Offers Are a Trap

Days after an accident, a friendly insurance adjuster calls you. They sound concerned. They offer to pay your medical bills plus, say, $1,500 for your trouble. They can cut the check today.

This is not generosity. It is a calculated business move designed to save the insurance company thousands of dollars at your expense.

The "Pre-Diagnosis" Strategy

Insurance companies know that many serious injuries—like herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and soft tissue tears—do not show severe symptoms for 1-2 weeks after the crash.

Their goal is to get you to sign a Release of Liability before you see an MRI report.

Once you sign that release and cash the $1,500 check, your case is over. If two weeks later your doctor says, "You need neck surgery that will cost $50,000," you cannot go back to the insurance company. You settled for $1,500. You are responsible for the remaining $48,500.

The Math Behind the Offer

Adjusters are evaluated on how much money they "save" the company.

• Scenario A (You Sign): Company pays $1,500. Case Closed.
• Scenario B (You Lawyer Up): Attorney proves full damages. Company pays $100,000 policy limits.

The "Quick Check" is a gamble that you are desperate for immediate cash and unaware of the long-term value of your rights.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

No competent lawyer will settle a case until the client reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This is the point where you have healed as much as you are going to heal.

Only at MMI does a doctor know if you have a permanent impairment. Permanent impairment ratings significantly increase the value of a case. By settling early, you are essentially giving away the value of your permanent disability for free.

Conclusion

Patience pays. While bills may be piling up, taking a "lowball" offer now can lead to financial ruin later. Let us handle the bill collectors while you focus on getting the medical treatment you actually need to fully recover.

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