got into a car accident a few months ago and didn’t seem serious, just some neck and back pain. when the insurance company called within 48 hours and offered $500 to close it. I almost took it thinking it was fair; but the pain didn’t go away . got worse, and after getting an MRI I found out I had a herniated disc. the $500 feltlike nothing, and now I’m realizing how close I was to making a bad financial decision by settling too early. still wondering if this kind of quick offer is normal or if it’s usually a lowball to close things out before you understand the full extent of your injury; I haven’t accepted anything yet. won’t disclose the name of the insurance company.
Almost accepted $500 after a car accident
byu/Dionis7 inpersonalfinance
Posted by Dionis7
4 Comments
100% normal. They want to get you to say you’re okay and take the lowest amount they can offer. Never decline to get checked out after a wreck, and never say “I’m fine” when they call. When they talk to you, their sole purpose is to gather information to try and trap you into accepting the least amount of money they can.
You have three years and you might get another 0 if you document and ask
48 hours after an accident and they’re already on the phone. The urgency was not for your benefit.
https://youtube.com/shorts/DOIa9Zo6uE4?si=QhQpi_n490qLevwp . Sounds like exactly you. Thankfully you didn’t end up in the same situation but it is unfortunately normal.