What to Do If an Insurance Adjuster Offers a Low Settlement in Louisiana

Don't Settle for Less When Insurance Companies Try to Shortchange You

Getting a low settlement offer from an insurance adjuster after you've been hurt can feel like a slap in the face. In Louisiana, many accident victims face this problem every day. You're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and pain from your injuries, and then the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve. It's frustrating and scary, especially when you're counting on that money to get better.

What many people don't know is that the initial offer from an insurance claims adjuster is just a starting point. Insurance companies want to minimize payouts and settle quickly – that's how they make money. But you have rights, and there are steps you can take when faced with a lowball settlement offer that won't cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Understanding Low Settlement Offers

When you file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Louisiana, the insurance company’s first offer is often much lower than what you actually deserve. That’s not a mistake—it’s part of a pattern. Insurance companies are in business to make money. They do this by collecting premiums and minimizing payouts. One way they try to do that is by offering a lowball settlement offer and hoping you’ll take it just to get the process over with.

The problem is that these low offers rarely cover the full extent of your losses. You might have ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, or future expenses you haven’t even faced yet. Accepting a weak settlement offer can leave you stuck with medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs that should have been paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Understanding why this happens—and what to do if an insurance adjuster offers a low settlement in Louisiana—can help you make better choices and avoid financial stress down the line.

Why Insurance Companies Offer Low Settlements

Insurance companies know that many accident victims are stressed, overwhelmed, and just want to settle quickly. Claims adjusters use that pressure to their advantage. Their job is to save the insurance company money—not to make sure you’re taken care of. That’s why the initial settlement offer is often just a starting point, not the final number. Common tactics used by insurance companies include:

• Delaying your claim to pressure you into accepting less

• Downplaying your injuries by pointing to gaps in your medical records or short treatment periods

• Blaming you for the accident, even if you weren’t at fault

• Refusing to cover certain expenses, such as emotional distress or long-term care

The goal is simple: minimize payouts. But when an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you don’t have to accept it. You have the right to push back and present evidence to support your claim. In some cases, a personal injury attorney can step in and negotiate effectively for a more favorable settlement.

Factors That Can Increase Your Settlement Value

Not all personal injury claims are the same. The value of your insurance settlement depends on several key factors that can vary from case to case. Knowing what influences your claim can help you push for a fair agreement instead of accepting the first offer that comes your way. Here are some things that can make a significant difference:

• Medical treatment and recovery time: If your injuries required surgery, extended physical therapy, or long-term medication, your medical expenses will be higher. That usually means a higher settlement offer.

• Lost income: If you missed work or can’t return to your job because of the accident, your lost wages will factor into your claim.

• Future expenses: Ongoing medical treatments, follow-up visits, and even counseling for emotional distress can be included in your demand letter.

• Detailed medical records: These are some of the strongest forms of documented evidence. They show the full extent of your injuries and recovery process.

• Police reports and witness statements: These help prove who was at fault and back up your version of events.

• Property damage: If your vehicle was totaled or needed serious repairs, that should be accounted for in your settlement.

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Don’t let an insurance claims adjuster tell you your injuries or expenses are “not that serious” if your records say otherwise. If negotiations fail, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step toward fair compensation.

Negotiating with the Insurance Adjuster

When an insurance claims adjuster gives you a settlement offer, remember: it's usually just a starting point, not the final word. The first offer is almost always a lowball settlement offer. This is part of the game—insurance companies hope you’ll take it and go away. But if you want a fair settlement, you have to be ready to push back.

Use actual numbers. Bring receipts, medical bills, and detailed medical records to the table. If you’re missing work, show pay stubs or proof of income. The more real evidence you show, the harder it is for them to lowball you again.

Challenging the Adjuster’s First Offer

Don’t rush. A common mistake accident victims make is saying “yes” too fast just to get it over with. Take a step back and evaluate the full extent of your injuries and expenses before agreeing to anything.

Then, push back. Write a letter—or have your personal injury attorney write one—explaining why the initial offer doesn’t cut it. List your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any future expenses like follow-up treatments or therapy. Be clear. Be factual. You don’t need to be dramatic—just firm and backed by solid evidence.

Using Polite and Respectful Communication

Even if the offer insults you (and it might), stay calm. Being angry or rude gives the insurance company an excuse to stop taking you seriously—or worse, use your words against you.

Keep your tone professional. Don’t admit fault or say anything that could be twisted to reduce your claim. Instead, stick to the facts, ask for a reasonable settlement, and leave emotion out of it.

Here’s a simple example:

"Thank you for your offer. However, based on my medical records, ongoing physical therapy, and time missed from work, this amount does not reflect the actual losses I’ve suffered. I am requesting $___ to settle the claim fairly.”

How to Respond to a Low Settlement Offer

Always respond in writing. This keeps a paper trail and avoids any confusion about what was said. In your response:

1. List what the offer doesn’t cover (e.g., future medical treatments, missed work).

2. Include supporting documents—photos of injuries, repair estimates, doctor’s notes, police reports, etc.

3. End with a clear counteroffer. Make sure the number reflects both economic and non-economic damages.

If you’re uncomfortable writing this yourself, that’s when legal representation makes a difference. A personal injury lawyer knows how to write a demand letter that gets attention.

Dealing with an insurance claim isn’t easy, and one wrong move can cost you thousands. Here are some of the most common pitfalls that mess up otherwise valid claims—and how to avoid them.

Avoid Emotional Responses

No matter how frustrating the process gets, don’t lose your cool. Getting angry or confrontational can turn the adjuster against you and distract from the actual facts of your case. Remember, the person on the other end of the phone is doing a job—and probably trying to close your file for as little money as possible. Keep it civil, stick to the evidence, and don’t give them an excuse to tune you out.

Don’t Succumb to Pressure Tactics

Insurance adjusters will often act like you’re on a ticking clock. “This is the best you’re going to get,” or “We need a decision today,” are pressure tactics designed to push you into a quick (and low) settlement. Unless your prescription expires or the statute of limitations is about to run out, you have time. Don’t sign anything or accept any money until you’re confident the deal covers all your damages.

Refrain from Negotiating Without Representation

You wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself—so why try to handle complex insurance negotiations alone? Especially in cases involving serious injuries or unclear liability, trying to manage your own claim is like walking into a boxing match with one glove tied behind your back.

A personal injury lawyer knows the playbook and how to spot tricks that adjusters use. They also know how to value claims in Louisiana under state laws like Civil Code Article 2315, which governs liability for damages due to negligence.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim

You can't win a claim with your word alone—you need proof. Start collecting and organizing evidence as soon as possible after the accident.

Documenting Your Injuries and Expenses

Photos, medical records, and receipts are your best friends here. Snap pictures of your injuries, any medical devices (like braces or crutches), and even the prescription bottles. Save every bill and invoice. If you’re missing work, get a letter from your employer verifying your time off and lost wages.

Create a dedicated folder on your phone and computer to keep everything in one place. Label everything clearly—date, description, cost. It sounds simple, but that level of organization helps when it’s time to negotiate or go to court.

Building a Strong Case for a Fair Settlement

Don’t dump a pile of documents on the adjuster. Present your case like a story: what happened, what it cost you, and what you need to move forward. Attach photos, invoices, medical notes, and any witness statements. The clearer your case, the harder it is for the insurance company to lowball you or dispute your injuries.

Effective Communication with the Insurance Company

What you say—and don’t say—can have a huge impact on your claim. One slip-up and they could use your words to reduce or deny your settlement.

What Not to Say When Talking to an Insurance Adjuster

Here’s what not to say:

• “I’m sorry.” (They might interpret this as an admission of fault.)

• “I feel fine now.” (You might not feel fine in a week.)

• “It was my fault.” (Even if you think it might be—don’t speculate.)

And never agree to a recorded statement. You are under no legal obligation to provide one, and it’s almost always used to trap you into saying something they can twist.

How to Keep the Conversation Productive

Polite doesn’t mean passive. Be professional, but don’t let them steamroll you. Stick to the facts, correct misinformation, and reiterate your demand with clear reasoning. Ask follow-up questions if they deny part of your claim:

• “Can you explain why you think this medical bill isn’t covered?” 

• “What documentation would you need to reconsider this amount?”

The more prepared and calm you are, the more leverage you have.

Your Power Move: Don't Let Insurance Companies Win the Money Game

When insurance companies offer settlements that don't match your needs, remember that you hold more cards than you think. Burnham Law Firm has helped countless Louisiana residents turn low settlement offers into fair compensation that truly covers medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney Taylor Burnham understands the claims process and the key factors that significantly affect settlement negotiations. Our team can help you gather documented evidence, prepare a powerful demand letter, and present evidence that supports your personal injury claim.

Don't let insurance adjusters pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. With the right legal counsel on your side, you can negotiate effectively and make informed decisions about your case. Your recovery and financial future are worth fighting for.