You should be very cautious. The first offer is often a low initial figure designed to close your case quickly and cheaply. Once you accept a settlement, you sign away your right to seek any further money, even if hidden injuries surface later. Do not accept any offer until you have reached maximum medical improvement and understand the full extent of your losses, including future medical needs and income impact. It is highly advisable to have a legal professional review any offer before you agree to ensure it fairly covers all your damages.

Do not provide a statement or sign anything from the other party’s insurer without legal advice. Their goal is to minimize their payout, and your words can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Politely decline to give a statement and direct them to your own insurance company or attorney. You are not legally required to cooperate with them.

No. Never tell someone they do not need medical care. Your role is to ensure their well-being is addressed, not to make medical judgments. Instead, encourage them to be evaluated by a professional, especially if they report any pain or discomfort. You can say, “I’m not a doctor, so it’s always best to get checked out to be safe.“ This shows reasonable care and prevents accusations that you downplayed their injuries, which could be seen as an admission of guilt.