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Why Contact a Lawyer Immediately After an Accident

By Paul Benson • February 1, 2026
Why Is It Crucial To Reach Out To A Lawyer Soon After An Accident? Contacting a lawyer promptly after an accident is vital to preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene. Evidence like skid marks, surveillance videos, and witness statements can disappear quickly. By involving a lawyer early on, you ensure that all necessary evidence is collected and preserved, which can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Why Do Some People Delay Contacting A Lawyer After An Accident? Many individuals delay contacting a lawyer due to the misconception that they are not "lawsuit people." However, when faced with insurance companies refusing to compensate them fairly, they realize the need to protect their rights. By waiting to involve a lawyer, important evidence may be lost, such as video footage or witness accounts, which can weaken their case significantly. What Are The Potential Problems Individuals Face When Insurance Adjusters Reach Out Early? Insurance adjusters often aim to elicit statements that downplay the severity of injuries or shift blame away from their policyholders. By recording conversations and obtaining seemingly innocuous statements, they can later use discrepancies to undermine a claim. Consulting with a lawyer before engaging with insurance adjusters is crucial to avoid inadvertently harming your case. What Key Evidence Can Be Lost If Individuals Wait Too Long After An Accident To Seek Legal Counsel? Delaying legal representation can result in the loss of crucial evidence such as video footage, debris placement at the scene, and witness recollections. Additionally, timely medical documentation is essential for accurately assessing and documenting injuries. Without early involvement, individuals risk missing out on vital evidence that could strengthen their case. How Does The Timing Of Medical Bills And Documentation Impact An Insurance Company's Evaluation Of A Claim? In Wisconsin, the timing of medical bills and documentation is critical due to the collateral source rule. Health insurance coverage may pay medical bills upfront, but individuals can still recover the full amount from the at-fault party's insurance. However, delays or discrepancies in submitting bills can lead to reduced compensation and financial risks for the injured party. What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Employ To Settle Claims Quickly Without Individuals Fully Understanding The Implications? Insurance companies may use tactics like sending blank medical releases or offering immediate settlement checks to expedite claim resolutions. Individuals may unknowingly sign away their rights or settle their claims prematurely, leading to potential long-term repercussions. It is essential to seek legal guidance to navigate these tactics and ensure fair compensation for injuries. What Steps Should Individuals Take After A Minor Accident To Protect Their Legal Rights? After a minor accident, individuals should document the scene thoroughly, report the incident to their insurance company, and consider seeking a legal consultation. It is crucial to accurately relay their version of events to the police, report any injuries promptly, and consult with a lawyer to understand their rights and potential legal options. Is It Advisable For Individuals To Seek Medical Evaluation After A Minor Accident Even If They Feel Only Minor Discomfort? Yes, it is recommended for individuals to undergo a medical evaluation after a minor accident, even if they experience minor discomfort. Prompt medical assessment can uncover hidden injuries that may worsen over time if left untreated. By seeking timely medical attention, individuals protect their health and establish a documented record of injuries for potential legal claims. What Are Some Early Moves Insurance Companies Make That Individuals Should Be Cautious About Following An Accident? Insurance companies may attempt to obtain blanket medical releases or offer immediate settlement checks to expedite claims processing. These tactics can lead to individuals inadvertently signing away their rights or settling for inadequate compensation. It is crucial to seek legal guidance to navigate such tactics and protect one's legal rights effectively.

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Don’t Take the First Offer the Insurance Company Gives You

When you get into a car accident and seek compensation through an insurance company, you may be tempted to settle your claim quickly to get the money you need and move on. Insurance companies are no fools. They understand that most injured victims want to get it over with as soon as possible, which is why they may offer a quick settlement. 


However, it is generally not a good idea to rush toward accepting the insurance company’s first offer. You need to think about your best options before you sign anything. At The Paul Benson Law Firm, I can help you understand how much your case is worth to ensure that you get fair and full compensation. As a personal injury attorney who serves accident victims throughout Janesville, Beloit, and surrounding areas in Wisconsin, I represent clients in settlement negotiations and help them fight for the compensation to which they are entitled. 

Insurance Company’s Response to an Accident Claim 

Insurance companies use a variety of tactics when dealing with accident claims. In many cases, an accident victim may expect one of the following responses from an insurance company: 


Avoidance. It is not uncommon for insurers to simply avoid the person who filed a claim for compensation. An insurance adjuster may ignore the claim for weeks or months on end, fail to return your calls, and not respond to your complaints in a timely manner. 


Quick settlement. Often, insurance companies use an entirely different tactic: they offer a quick settlement that is far less than what the injured party deserves. Insurers understand that you may be in a desperate situation and may be willing to accept a quick settlement without knowing how much your case is worth. 


If you are dealing with an insurance company’s dishonest tactics, seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney. 

Reasons You Should Refuse the Offer 

While it may be tempting to take the first offer from the insurance company, doing so can be detrimental to your recovery. Some of the reasons why you should refuse the insurer’s initial settlement offer include: 


  1. The first offer is a lowball. In most cases, the settlement offer that comes in fast is a lowball offer. An initial settlement offer is just the starting point for negotiations. While they expect you to accept the offer, they leave room for negotiation. 
  2. You will lose your right to pursue legal action. Once you accept the insurance company’s first offer, you automatically lose your right to seek any additional compensation in the future. 
  3. You may not know the full extent of your injuries. Often, insurance companies offer a quick settlement before the injured party has a chance to speak with an attorney and realize the full extent of their injuries. Generally, it is not advised to settle a personal injury claim before you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Reaching MMI means that it is unlikely that your condition will get any better. 


It is vital to speak with an attorney as soon as the insurance company makes a first settlement offer. A personal injury attorney will help you determine whether it is best to accept or reject the insurer’s offer. 

What Happens if You Refuse to Take the First Offer?

Contrary to popular belief, you will not lose your right to pursue compensation if you refuse to take the insurance company’s first offer. Instead, your refusal will mark the beginning of negotiations between you and the insurer. Once you reject the insurer’s offer, you or your attorney will prepare a demand letter that spells out how much money you are seeking and presents the facts of your case. 


Then, you will have to wait for the insurance company’s response. After refusing to take the first offer, back-and-forth communications with the insurance company will continue for as long as necessary to come to an agreement. If no agreement is reached, you may need to file a lawsuit. 

Skilled Advocacy: The Paul Benson Law Firm 

If you were offered to accept a quick settlement, do not accept the offer right away. You must speak with a practiced attorney to get advice on the best way to proceed. As a personal injury attorney with offices in Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin, I know how to handle the insurance company’s tactics. Contact The Paul Benson Law Firm so we can discuss your unique case and pursue the compensation you deserve.