If you have suffered an injury caused by the negligence of another person or business, you may have heard from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. They may have made you an offer that seems generous, but proceed carefully. Here are three compelling reasons why you should never accept their first offer.

1. It’s probably not what your claim is worth

Insurance companies only thrive by limiting and denying personal injury claims. This is not a knock on the insurance industry—it’s simply how the system works. You have to protect your rights within the system by fighting for the total dollar value of your claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to properly assess total damages to ensure that you receive what you need and deserve after a car crash, slip-and-fall or other accident caused by negligence or wrongdoing.

2. It may fall short in providing for your future

When considering an insurance settlement offer, you must think not only about today’s financial burdens, but also tomorrow’s. An offer may seem adequate, even generous, in covering your medical bills, wage loss and other hardships in the present day. It may fall far short, however, of covering your financial strains in the years to come.

Once you sign that paper, there is no going back. When the proceeds of your settlement are exhausted, you don’t get a second chance to fight for more. Today is the time to fight that battle so you can rest assured your future is protected.

3. It isn’t your job

Negotiating a personal injury claim is something insurance adjustors do every day. You can’t be expected to know the nuances of this process, but an experienced personal injury attorney can. This is the time for you to rest and recover while skilled professional fights on your behalf.