blog home Car Accidents How to Avoid Getting Lowballed by the Insurance Company After an Accident

How to Avoid Getting Lowballed by the Insurance Company After an Accident

By Jason Bottlinger on December 5, 2025

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Nebraska, one of the first hurdles you’ll face is responding to the insurance company’s initial settlement offer. It’s important to remember that  lowball offers are designed to save the insurance company.

Jason Bottlinger is a dedicated Omaha personal injury lawyer. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we’ve seen firsthand how accident victims can be pressured into accepting inadequate settlement offers.  We work to protect your rights and pursue the full value of your claim.

Why Insurance Companies Make Lowball Offers

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their adjusters are trained to settle claims fast, without concern for the true cost of your injuries. An adjuster may sound friendly, but remember – they work for the insurance company, not for you.

In Nebraska, we often see low settlement offers based on:

• Rushed assessments of vehicle damage or medical expenses
• Ignoring future costs like ongoing therapy or lost earning capacity
• Disputing liability to reduce payout obligations
• Using outdated formulas that don’t reflect the real impact of your injuries

Signs Your Accident Claim Is Being Undervalued

The Offer Comes Within Days of the Accident

If an insurer tries to settle your claim before you’ve completed medical treatment, they’re probably trying to close the case before the true costs are known.

The Offer Won’t Cover Your Bills

If the settlement amount fails to covers your medical expenses, or if it ignores damages like lost income, pain and suffering, or future care, it’s a sign of a lowball offer.

They Pressure You to Sign an Agreement Right Away

When you’re being told “this is the best you’ll get” or “the offer expires soon,” it’s often a push tactic designed to stop you from consulting a lawyer.

Settlement Tips to Counter Lowball Offers

Document Everything

Keep thorough records of medical treatments, prescriptions, time off work, and any other expenses tied to your accident. Photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and accident scene can also be powerful evidence.

Find Out Your Claim’s True Value

In Nebraska, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This includes:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

An experienced Omaha car accident attorney will accurately calculate these damages, so you don’t have to rely on the insurance agent’s valuation.

Don’t Accept the First Offer

It’s rare for the first offer to reflect the true value of your claim. Politely decline, request the offer in writing, and ask the adjuster to justify how they calculated it.

Never Make a Recorded Statements

Anything you say can be used to dispute your injuries or fault. Politely decline the request, and tell the agent they can work with your attorney.

Be Patient

Rushing the process can mean leaving a lot of money on the table.

How Nebraska Law Affect a Personal Injury Claim

While insurance tactics are similar nationwide, Nebraska has its own regulations and customs that can affect your claim:

• Comparative Negligence Rule – In Nebraska, if you are found partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced proportionally. Insurers may overstate your share of fault to justify a smaller payout.
• Statute of Limitations – You generally have four years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim, but waiting too long can weaken your leverage in insurance negotiation.
• Medical Liens – Nebraska providers may place liens on your settlement for unpaid bills. A lowball settlement can leave you owing money.

Effective Strategies for Protecting Your Recovery

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we use proven strategies to counter insurance company tactics.

Independent Investigations

We gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions to establish liability.

Working With Medical Experts

Doctors can provide detailed reports on the severity of injuries, necessary treatments, and long-term impacts. This is a good way to counter insurance company efforts to minimize the effects of your injuries.

Calculating Full Damages

We look beyond immediate bills to include long-term care, lost earning potential, and non-economic damages.

Aggressive Negotiating on Your Behalf

We handle all insurance negotiation directly, using evidence to push for fair compensation. And we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer.

What to Do After Receiving a Low Settlement Offer

If you’ve already received a settlement offer you believe is too low:

1. Do Not Accept or Sign Anything – Once you sign a release, you can’t ask for more money later.
2. Request Written Justification – Ask the adjuster to provide a detailed breakdown of their calculation.
3. Gather Evidence – Collect all accident-related records, bills, and communications.
4. Consult a Nebraska Personal Injury Attorney – A consultation can reveal whether the offer is fair.

How We Can Help

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Jason Bottlinger was selected by Expertise.com as one of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Omaha, and he belongs to the exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

When you work with us, you get:

• Thorough case investigation
• Honest, clear explanations of your options
• Relentless negotiation for full value
• Preparation for trial if insurers refuse to negotiate in good faith.

Speak With a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney in Omaha

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Nebraska, the stakes are high. Let Bottlinger Law L.L.C. evaluate your claim, identify undervaluation tactics, and fight for full compensation.

Call (402) 505-8234 to schedule your free consultation today.