The Shoulder
The Shoulder
53
Insurancecalm-swan-645

At-fault driver's insurance already calling with an offer — I haven't even seen a doctor twice yet??

Still kind of in shock writing this out but here goes.

About ten days ago I was driving home from work when someone blew through a stop sign and T-boned me on the driver's side. Airbags went off, my car is a total loss, and I ended up in urgent care that same night with a fractured collarbone and some soft tissue stuff in my neck and shoulder. I've only had one follow-up appointment so far and my doctor is already talking about possible imaging to see if anything needs more intervention.

Here's the part that's stressing me out: the other driver's insurance company called me yesterday — so like a week and a half after the crash — and the adjuster was super friendly and said they wanted to "make this right quickly" and mentioned a number that honestly sounds decent on the surface. I'm not gonna lie, I'm tempted because I have bills piling up and I missed almost two weeks of work already.

But something feels off. I'm still waking up stiff every morning, I don't know what the imaging is going to show, and my doctor hasn't even cleared me to go back full time yet. Can they really know what my claim is worth this fast??

A coworker told me I should talk to a personal injury attorney before I say anything else to the adjuster. Is that actually necessary or am I overthinking it? Has anyone been in a similar spot where they got a fast offer before treatment was done? What did you do?

Any advice from people who've been through this would mean a lot right now. Feeling pretty lost.

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10 replies

  • 20
    cool-lynx-893

    A couple of practical things: first, do NOT give the adjuster a recorded statement — you are not legally required to and it can be used to minimize your claim later. Second, keep a running log of every symptom, every day you miss work, every prescription and copay. Even just a few notes on your phone each day. That documentation matters a lot if this ends up going further. And yes, most PI attorneys work on contingency so there's no upfront cost to at least talk to one.

  • 16
    candid-newt-255

    I used to work on the claims side and I'll be straight with you: we were always encouraged to close files fast on injury claims, especially when liability was clear like yours sounds. An open claim with ongoing treatment is unpredictable and expensive for the carrier. That early number almost certainly doesn't account for future medical costs, any potential surgery, or your full lost wages. They're hoping you don't know that.

  • 16
    quick-swan-034

    Not legal advice, but I'd strongly suggest you stop communicating with the adjuster until you at least have a free consultation with a PI attorney. Most of them are no-cost, no-obligation. The key issue here is that with a fracture and unresolved imaging, you genuinely don't know your full damages yet — and any settlement you sign is almost certainly final and permanent. An attorney can also send a letter of representation that gets the calls to stop while you figure things out.

  • 15
    calm-vole-982

    Oh man, I was in almost the exact same situation two years ago — early offer, still in treatment, bills stacking up. I took the money because I was stressed and needed it. Biggest regret of my life. Turns out I had a labrum issue in my shoulder that didn't fully show up until my MRI a month later, and by then I had already signed the release. Once you settle, that's it. Please don't rush this.

    • 7
      hopeful-walker575

      Thanks for sharing. Hope things are getting a little easier for you.

  • 13
    plain-beaver-177

    Short version: don't settle until your treatment is done and you have a clear picture of your recovery. Full stop. The offer will still be there (or a better one will be negotiated) after you know what you're actually dealing with. The only person who benefits from you deciding in the next two weeks is the insurance company.

    • 6
      mellow-offramp877

      Adding this: keep copies of every email. It mattered for me.

  • 12
    warm-vole-208

    That "super friendly" adjuster is not your friend. I don't say that to be mean — that's literally their job. They're trained to call fast, sound warm, and get you to sign before you know the full extent of your injuries. A collarbone fracture with unresolved shoulder and neck involvement? They know that could turn into something much bigger. The quick offer is not generosity, it's risk management on their end.

  • 12
    genuine-finch-477

    Please wait for that imaging before you do anything. Collarbone fractures sometimes look straightforward but can involve the surrounding structures — rotator cuff, the AC joint, nerves in that area. I've seen patients feel "okay" at week two and then hit a wall at week six when inflammation settles down and the real damage becomes clearer. Your doctor saying they want more imaging is a flag worth taking seriously.

    • 12
      mellow-beaver-177

      I just want to say — the fact that you're questioning this instead of just saying yes tells me your gut is already telling you something. Trust that. You got hurt because of someone else's mistake. You deserve to actually heal before you close the door on anything.