The first offer is almost always too low. Insurance adjusters start negotiations with a low figure to save their company money. Do not accept it immediately. Instead, carefully compare it to a detailed list of all your expenses and impacts. If the offer doesn’t cover your current and future medical bills, lost wages, and other documented losses, it is not reasonable. Politely reject it and be prepared to justify a higher amount with your evidence.

A broad medical release allows the adjuster to access your entire medical history, which may be used to argue your injuries are pre-existing. A quick, early settlement is often far less than your claim’s full value, especially before you reach maximum medical improvement. Once you sign a settlement, you permanently give up your right to seek more money, even if hidden injuries or costs emerge later.

Subrogation is your insurer’s right to pursue a third party that caused the loss, to recover the money they paid on your claim. For instance, if a subcontractor’s error causes a claim on your policy, your insurer may pay you but then sue that subcontractor to get their money back. Your policy will have a clause about this. It matters because you may be required to cooperate with this process and should avoid agreements that waive your insurer’s subrogation rights without their consent.