Injured in a car accident in Illinois? Don’t rush to accept the first insurance offer—get the compensation you deserve.
Suppose you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Illinois, especially in Peoria, Tazewell County, or the surrounding communities. In that case, the insurance company may offer a settlement. While it may be tempting to accept—especially if you’re facing mounting medical bills or missed work—it’s crucial to understand what’s at stake.
Don’t settle for less. Find out how much your case is worth before signing away your rights. Contact Schierer & Ritchie LLC Today.
Why Insurance Companies Offer Quick Settlements
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators; their job is to save their company money, not to ensure you are fairly compensated. That “generous” first offer may seem helpful, but it is often far less than what your case is worth.
Their Goal: Settle Fast, Pay Less
- Minimize payout: They know you may be overwhelmed and vulnerable.
- Avoid full liability: Once you accept and sign, you waive your right to future claims—even if new injuries or costs emerge.
- Pressure tactics: They may create urgency or imply that it’s a limited-time offer.
The Hidden Costs After a Car Accident
The true value of your claim includes more than just your initial medical bills and car repairs.
Here’s what you might miss out on if you accept the first offer:
- Future medical expenses (surgery, physical therapy)
- Lost future wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Emotional distress or PTSD
In many cases, victims don’t realize the extent of their injuries until weeks or even months later—after they’ve already accepted a lowball settlement.
Illinois-Specific Insight: You Have Legal Leverage
In Illinois, you’re not required to accept any offer right away. You typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, giving you time to build a strong case.
Common Insurance Company Tactics in Illinois
- “This is the best we can do.”
- “You don’t need a lawyer.”
- “We can’t pay for anything else once you sign.”
These tactics are designed to limit your options—not protect your rights.
Never Sign Anything Without Talking to an Attorney
If you’re wondering whether to accept the first offer, ask yourself:
- Do I know the full extent of my injuries?
- Have I seen a specialist or had follow-up care?
- Do I know what my case is worth?
If you answered “no” to any of these, it’s time to speak with an experienced car accident attorney.
What to Do Instead
Here’s what we recommend for accident victims in Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, and all of Tazewell County:
- Politely decline to sign or accept anything until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
- Document everything: injuries, bills, lost wages, etc.
- Call us for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and give you an honest assessment—without pressure or cost.
Why Schierer & Ritchie, LLC?
Unlike corporate law firms that shuffle you off to a junior paralegal, when you call us, you’ll speak directly with a seasoned attorney who knows how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and how to win in Illinois courts.
We don’t take the easy way out. We take your side.
