Lowballed by the Insurance Company After an Accident in San Diego? Here’s What to Do

insurance company lowballing settlement offer

After a serious accident in San Diego, you expect your insurance company to have your back. You’ve paid your premiums on time, followed the rules, and trusted the system. So why does their settlement offer feel like a slap in the face?

If you’re dealing with an insurance lowball offer, you’re not alone. Many injury victims are shocked to discover how quickly—and how unfairly—insurance companies try to settle major claims. Here’s what you need to know before accepting that offer or deciding to fight back.

What is an Insurance Lowball Offer?

A lowball offer is when an insurance company offers significantly less compensation than your claim is worth. This tactic is often used to pressure injured victims into accepting a quick settlement before they realize the true value of their case.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to minimize payouts, not maximize fairness. A lowball offer may not even cover your:

  • Emergency room and hospital bills
  • Ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
  • Lost wages from time off work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

In San Diego, where medical costs and cost of living are higher than average, accepting a low offer can leave you financially vulnerable for years to come.

Why Insurance Companies Make Lowball Offers

There are a few reasons insurers push early settlements:

  • They hope you’re overwhelmed and need quick cash.
  • They know you likely don’t know the full value of your claim.
  • They want to avoid legal representation getting involved.
  • They assume you’ll give up rather than negotiate.

By offering less than what you deserve, they protect their bottom line. But once you accept an offer, you typically forfeit your right to any additional compensation—even if future complications arise.

What Happens When You Reject an Insurance Settlement Offer?

Wondering what happens when you reject an insurance settlement offer?

Good news: rejecting a bad offer does not mean the process is over. It means you’re asserting your rights and giving yourself the chance to pursue full compensation.

Here’s what typically happens next:

  1. You submit a counteroffer – Often with evidence showing why the original offer was insufficient.
  2. Negotiations continue – This can involve back-and-forth communication, or more formal mediation.
  3. You hire a lawyer – A personal injury attorney can step in, demand better terms, and take legal action if needed.
  4. You file a lawsuit (if necessary) – Some cases go to court when fair compensation can’t be agreed upon.

In many cases, once a lawyer gets involved, the insurance company becomes more cooperative. They know you’re serious, and they’d prefer to settle than face a trial.

Why You Should Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Accepting Any Offer

It costs nothing upfront to speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer. In fact, at DP Injury Attorneys, your consultation is completely free.

Here’s how a lawyer can help if you’re being lowballed:

  • Evaluate the true value of your case based on your medical needs, lost income, and long-term impacts
  • Handle communications with the insurance company to protect your rights
  • Negotiate a higher settlement using strong evidence and legal strategy
  • File a lawsuit if needed to get what you’re owed

You don’t need to guess whether an offer is fair. Our team has helped countless San Diego residents recover from serious accidents, and we can tell when an insurance company is trying to take advantage of you.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Decide What Your Case Is Worth

San Diego residents who suffer major injuries in car crashes, motorcycle accidents, or pedestrian incidents deserve fair treatment. The insurance company is not your friend—no matter how polite they sound on the phone.

Remember:

  • Never sign anything without fully understanding what it means.
  • Do not accept the first offer without reviewing your total damages.
  • Contact an attorney if you suspect you’re being lowballed.

DP Injury Attorneys will fight for every dollar you’re owed. We know how to take on powerful insurers, and we have the experience to win.

Contact DP Injury Attorneys Today

If you’re dealing with an insurance lowball offer or wondering what happens when you reject an insurance settlement offer, don’t go it alone. We offer aggressive, compassionate representation to injury victims across San Diego.

You don’t pay us unless we win.

Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.

Let us take the pressure off you and hold the insurance company accountable.

Author Bio

Arthur Paul D’Egidio is the Managing Partner of DP Injury Attorneys, a San Diego personal injury law firm. With more than 12 years of experience in California injury law, he has dedicated his practice to representing clients in a wide range of personal injury matters, including car accidents, workers’ compensation, slip and falls, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases.

Arthur received his Juris Doctor from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law and is a member of the State Bar of California as well as the San Diego County Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named a Super Lawyer for seven straight years by Thomson Reuters and a “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers.

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