Over the years, I’ve sat across from hundreds of clients who walked into my office holding a letter from an insurance company — the so-called “final offer.”
Nine times out of ten, that offer barely scratches the surface of what they’re truly owed.
I’ve been practicing personal injury law in Illinois for decades, and I can tell you with absolute certainty: the first offer from an insurance adjuster is never their best offer. In fact, it’s often designed to make you settle fast before you know the full extent of your injuries, medical costs, and rights.
So, if you’ve been in a crash in Chicago, here’s what really happens behind the scenes when an adjuster calls — and why it’s almost always a mistake to take their first number.
How Insurance Adjusters Actually Work
When I started practicing, I assumed insurance adjusters were neutral professionals there to help victims. I quickly learned they’re trained negotiators working to protect their company’s bottom line, not your recovery.
Their job isn’t to make sure you’re fairly compensated — it’s to settle your claim as cheaply and quickly as possible. They’re evaluated on how much money they save the insurer, not how much they pay you.
When an adjuster reaches out with that first “friendly” call, they often sound understanding and concerned. But every question they ask is strategic. They’re gathering information to reduce what the company will pay you later.
I’ve seen it play out countless times — a client thinks they’re being helpful by describing their pain or how the accident happened, and a few weeks later that same statement shows up twisted in a report to justify a low settlement.
The First Offer Is Based on Incomplete Information
Adjusters usually make that first offer within weeks of the crash. Think about that — in most cases, the injured person hasn’t even finished medical treatment yet.
You might still be going to physical therapy, waiting on diagnostic tests, or unsure if you’ll need surgery. How can anyone possibly put a fair number on your case when you don’t even know the total cost of recovery?
Here’s what I tell clients:
Until you reach maximum medical improvement — the point where doctors say you’ve healed as much as you’re likely to — no one can accurately value your claim. Settling too soon often means you’re signing away your rights to future compensation.
The “Quick Check” Trap
One of the most common tactics I see is what I call the “quick check” strategy.
An insurance representative calls a few days after the crash and says something like,
“We’d like to help you out with your medical bills right away. Can we send a check to get this resolved quickly?”
It sounds kind and efficient, but here’s the truth: when you cash that check, you’re often agreeing to close your claim forever. Even if your injuries get worse later, you won’t be able to reopen the case.
That’s why I always tell people — never sign or accept anything until you’ve spoken with an attorney who understands what those documents really mean.
What Goes Into a Fair Settlement
When my team at Phillips Law Offices builds a case, we don’t pull numbers out of thin air. We calculate damages based on facts, evidence, and medical proof.
Here’s what a proper evaluation includes:
- Medical expenses: hospital bills, surgery, therapy, medications, and future care.
- Lost income: wages, missed opportunities, or reduced earning ability.
- Pain and suffering: physical discomfort and emotional distress.
- Permanent injury or disability: long-term effects that change how you live or work.
- Property damage: vehicle repair or replacement costs.
The first insurance offer almost never includes the full scope of these damages — especially the future impact. That’s where people lose the most money without realizing it.
Real Example From a Chicago Case
A few years ago, I represented a woman injured in a rear-end crash on Lake Shore Drive. The insurance adjuster called her within ten days, offering $12,000 to settle everything. It seemed reasonable at first — until her back pain worsened, and she needed spinal injections and months of therapy.
By the time we filed her claim correctly and included her full medical documentation, the settlement reached nearly $150,000.
That’s not an uncommon outcome. The difference between that first offer and the real value of a case is almost always massive.
Why Having a Lawyer Changes Everything
Insurance companies keep databases of law firms and lawyers. They know which attorneys will accept a low offer and which ones will fight.
When we handle a case, the conversation changes fast. Suddenly, the adjuster is no longer making lowball calls. They start negotiating seriously because they know we’re prepared to take the case to trial if that’s what it takes.
We gather medical reports, witness statements, and financial records that support every dollar of your claim. We don’t guess — we prove. And that’s what forces the insurance company to pay fair compensation.
What to Do When You Get That First Offer
If you’ve received an offer from an insurance company after a crash, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Do not accept or sign anything until you understand the full value of your case.
- Get all your medical records and bills organized.
- Write down your symptoms daily — pain levels, physical limitations, emotional struggles.
- Contact an attorney before responding to the insurer.
A lawyer can quickly tell you if the offer is fair (it rarely is) and how to counter it.
If you’re dealing with a rideshare or commercial insurance claim, the process can get even more complex. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyer explains how these cases differ and why they often involve multiple insurance layers.
Final Thoughts
When you’re injured, the insurance company knows you’re vulnerable. They count on you needing fast money to cover bills, which is why they make those first offers so quickly.
But I’ve seen what happens when people settle too soon — years later, they’re still paying for medical treatments that the insurance payout didn’t cover.
My advice is simple: don’t rush. You only get one chance to settle your case, so make sure it’s the right one.
If you’ve been in an accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, talk to someone who does this every day. My team at Phillips Law Offices has spent decades standing up to insurance companies that undervalue people’s pain. We know their tactics, and we know how to beat them.
Call (312) 346-4262
161 N Clark St, Suite 4925, Chicago, IL
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless You Win
Interesting Reads:
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Your Car Accident Injury Claim
What to do if an insurance adjuster calls me after the case of personal injury?
What Should I Do If An Insurance Adjuster Contacts Me After The Personal Injury Case?
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