Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
February 18, 2026
What Georgians Should Know Before Accepting a Settlement
Insurance companies are businesses. Their responsibility is to protect their financial interests, not yours. In Georgia, I have seen countless injured people accept settlements that were fast and convenient, only to realize later that those decisions cost them far more than they expected. Before accepting any settlement, here is what every Georgian should understand.
Early settlement offers are designed to save the insurance company money.
It is common for an adjuster to reach out quickly after an accident. They may sound supportive and eager to “resolve things.” What they are really trying to do is close the claim before the full extent of your injuries is known. Many injuries do not fully present themselves right away. Neck and back injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage often worsen over time. Once you accept a settlement, you permanently give up the right to seek additional compensation, even if your condition changes or surgery becomes necessary.
Recorded statements can be used to weaken your claim.
Insurance adjusters frequently request recorded statements early in the process. These are not taken to help you. They are taken to protect the insurance company. Your words can be taken out of context or used to suggest that your injuries are minor or that you share fault. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company, yet many people do so simply because they do not know their rights.
Insurance companies rarely calculate the true cost of an injury.
A fair settlement should account for future medical care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and how the injury affects your daily life and your family. Insurance companies focus on immediate costs and minimize everything else.
If you do not know how to properly value a claim, you will almost certainly be offered less than what your case is worth.
Once you sign a settlement agreement, there is no second chance.
Settlement agreements are final. There is no reopening a claim because medical bills increased or recovery took longer than expected. This is where we see the most regret, not because people were careless, but because they were navigating a legal process without guidance.
An experienced attorney prevents costly mistakes before they happen.
Handling a claim on your own means managing deadlines, negotiations, documentation, and legal strategy while also trying to heal. An injury attorney steps in so you do not have to navigate a system designed to work against you.
An attorney protects you from saying the wrong thing, accepting too little, or signing away your rights too soon. More importantly, legal representation allows you to focus on your health while someone else focuses on holding the insurance company accountable.
At Derek Hays Injury Law, our goal is not to rush clients into decisions. It is to give injured Georgians clarity, confidence, and protection during a difficult time. Before you accept a settlement, make sure you fully understand what is at stake. A brief conversation with an experienced injury attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your future.
If you have been injured and are unsure what to do next, contact Derek Hays Injury Law. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions at every step. Call 404-777-HURT.
Derek Hays Injury Law
Fighting for justice when you need it most. Known as Georgia’s “Injury Insider,” we proudly support families throughout the state and beyond because here, you’re more than a client, you’re part of our family. Call for a free consultation: 404-777-HURT
By Attorney Derek Hays, Georgia’s "Injury Insider" In Georgia, the road ahead can change in an instant. One moment you’re enjoying a peaceful drive through the countryside, and the next, you’re merging onto a packed highway. This constant variety makes our state a beautiful place to explore, but it also brings an unfortunate reality car accidents happen every day, often when we least expect them. Understanding your rights after an accident is one of the most important steps you can take. That includes knowing what punitive damages are, when they apply, and how much you can recover. What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are a special type of financial award that can be granted in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Unlike other forms of compensation meant to help victims recover, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer. They serve as a strong deterrent to reckless, careless, or intentional behavior on Georgia’s roads. When a driver acts with extreme negligence such as driving under the influence, engaging in street racing, or intentionally ignoring safety laws the court may decide that ordinary compensation is not enough. In these cases, punitive damages send a clear message: dangerous behavior behind the wheel will not be tolerated. The $250,000 Cap in Georgia Georgia law currently places a limit on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in most personal injury cases. The maximum amount is $250,000.00, regardless of how severe or reckless the at-fault driver’s conduct was. This cap exists to ensure that awards remain consistent and that punishment fits within the state’s standards for fairness. However, there are a few very important exceptions. For instance, if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if they acted with specific intent to cause harm, the cap may not apply. Each case is unique, and the details matter. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced personal injury attorney review the facts and determine the best course of action. Protecting Your Rights After an Accident If you or someone you love has been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle wreck, understanding your options can make all the difference. Georgia’s legal system can be complex, and insurance companies often work quickly to protect their own interests—not yours. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive every dollar of compensation you deserve. At Derek Hays Injury Law , every client is treated like family. Since 1997, Derek Hays has been helping Georgia families recover from life-changing accidents with skilled legal representation and compassionate support. We fight to secure the compensation you deserve and guide you through every step of the process. Call 404-777-HURT today to speak directly with Derek Hays and start moving forward with confidence.