After a car accident, it’s tempting to want to put everything behind you as fast as possible. You’re dealing with the stress of:
- injuries,
- property damage,
- missed work,
- and insurance calls.
So, when the other driver’s insurance company offers a settlement, it might seem like a relief. However, accepting a quick payout can cost you far more in the long run.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve seen firsthand how the long-term costs of a car accident can catch victims off guard. Here’s why you should think twice before settling your claim too early—and how a personal injury attorney can help protect your future.
Initial Offers Often Undervalue Your Case
Insurance companies are in business to make money, not to look out for your best interests. That first settlement offer is usually based on your immediate medical expenses and vehicle repairs. But it may not reflect:
- Ongoing or future medical care
- Missed time from work
- Long-term impact on your ability to earn a living
- Chronic pain or physical limitations
- Emotional distress and mental health needs
If you settle before you know the full extent of your injuries, you could end up covering future expenses out of your own pocket.
Some Injuries Take Time to Fully Develop
Not all car accident injuries are apparent right away. Symptoms from whiplash, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), internal injuries, or spinal damage may take days or even weeks to appear. You might feel “fine” at first, only to develop chronic pain, reduced mobility, or cognitive issues down the road.
If you’ve already accepted a settlement, you won’t be able to go back and ask for more. That’s why we recommend waiting until a medical professional has thoroughly evaluated you—and you understand your long-term prognosis—before considering a settlement.
The Hidden Financial Toll of a Car Accident
A serious accident can have a ripple effect on every part of your life. In addition to your immediate medical bills and car repairs, you may face:
- Lost wages or reduced hours at work
- The need to switch careers due to physical limitations
- Modifications to your home or vehicle
- Ongoing physical therapy or mental health care
- Transportation costs to medical appointments
All of these expenses should be factored into your personal injury claim. A fast settlement offer rarely covers these long-term costs.
Idaho’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Another reason not to rush is Idaho’s rule of modified comparative negligence. If the insurance company believes you were partially at fault for the accident, they may try to reduce your compensation accordingly. Under Idaho law, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages at all.
An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and push back against unfair blame-shifting tactics designed to lower your settlement.
What a Personal Injury Attorney Can Do for You
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we don’t just look at your current bills—we look at the full picture. We take the time to:
- Evaluate your long-term medical needs
- Consult with doctors and specialists
- Document your lost income and earning capacity
- Assess your pain and suffering
- Negotiate aggressively with the insurance company
If the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we’re ready to take your case to court. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, and that preparation gives us leverage during negotiations.
You Only Get One Chance to Settle
Once you sign a settlement agreement, your claim is closed—even if new symptoms arise or your injuries turn out to be more serious than you thought. That’s why it’s so important to get it right the first time.
Don’t let the pressure to move on cost you the compensation you need to truly recover. A good settlement should cover both your short-term expenses and your long-term needs.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Idaho Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Meridian, Boise, Nampa, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, don’t rush into a settlement. Contact Johnson & Lundgreen today for a free consultation. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case and help you understand your rights—so you can make decisions that protect your health, your finances, and your future.