Signs the Insurance Company Is Lowballing You

After an accident in Florida, dealing with the insurance company can feel stressful and confusing—especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. Many accident victims assume the insurance adjuster is offering a fair settlement, but in reality, insurance companies often lowball claims to protect their bottom line. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you avoid accepting far less than your case is worth.

At Kennon Law, our Orlando personal injury attorneys regularly see clients who were pressured into unfair settlements before understanding the true value of their claims. Below are common signs the insurance company may be lowballing you.

1. They Make a Quick Settlement Offer

One of the biggest red flags is a fast settlement offer, sometimes made within days of the accident. While this may seem helpful, early offers are usually made before the full extent of your injuries is known. Insurance companies know that medical complications, future treatment, or long-term pain may increase the value of your claim later.

Once you accept a settlement, you generally give up the right to seek additional compensation—even if your injuries worsen.

2. The Offer Doesn’t Cover All Medical Expenses

If the settlement offer barely covers your current medical bills—or ignores future treatment entirely—it’s likely a lowball offer. Serious injuries often require ongoing care such as physical therapy, follow-up visits, medications, or surgery. A fair settlement should account for both current and future medical costs, not just what you’ve paid so far.

3. They Downplay Your Injuries

Insurance adjusters may suggest your injuries are “minor,” “pre-existing,” or should have healed by now. This tactic is commonly used to reduce compensation for pain and suffering and long-term effects. If your pain, limitations, or emotional distress are being dismissed, it’s a strong sign the insurer is undervaluing your claim.

4. They Delay the Claims Process

Unreasonable delays are another strategy insurance companies use to pressure injured victims. Adjusters may stop returning calls, repeatedly ask for unnecessary documentation, or claim they’re still “reviewing” your case. These delays are often meant to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement just to move on.

5. They Question Liability Without Evidence

If fault is clear but the insurer suddenly disputes liability or suggests you were partially responsible, they may be trying to reduce what they owe. Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows insurers to reduce compensation based on alleged fault. Even small shifts in responsibility can significantly lower a settlement offer.

6. They Ignore Lost Wages or Future Income

If your injury caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn income, compensation should reflect that loss. Lowball offers often fail to account for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, or future income loss, especially in cases involving long-term or permanent injuries.

7. They Discourage You From Hiring a Lawyer

If an insurance adjuster tells you that you “don’t need a lawyer” or that hiring one will “slow things down,” it’s a major red flag. Insurance companies know that injury victims represented by experienced attorneys typically recover significantly higher compensation than those who handle claims alone.

Why Lowball Offers Are So Common

Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to settle claims for as little as possible. Adjusters are trained negotiators who handle injury claims every day—most accident victims are not. Without legal representation, it’s easy to miss damages you’re legally entitled to recover.

Protecting Yourself From an Unfair Settlement

Before accepting any settlement offer, it’s critical to understand the true value of your claim. An experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer can evaluate your injuries, calculate damages, handle negotiations, and push back against unfair tactics.

If you suspect the insurance company is lowballing you, the team at Kennon Law can help you understand your rights and next steps. Learn more about how a personal injury attorney can protect your claim by visiting Injurance claim lawyer and scheduling a consultation.