You got an offer—but it is far lower than you expected. Now you are wondering what comes next.
If you are not happy with a settlement offer from the insurance company, you are not alone. At 222 Injury Lawyers in Tulsa, we hear from people every week who feel pressured to accept far less than what their claim is truly worth.
Whether the claim involves a totaled car, medical bills from a crash, or time lost at work, you deserve fair compensation. This guide breaks down your options when you receive a low settlement offer—and how to respond effectively without giving up your rights.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to settle claims quickly and cheaply. The first offer is often a test—one that hopes you are in a rush, unsure of your rights, or unaware of your actual claim value.
In some cases, the offer is so low it feels like a joke.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to settle claims quickly and cheaply.
The first offer is often a test—one that hopes you are in a rush, unsure of your rights, or unaware of your actual claim value.
In some cases, the offer is so low it feels like a joke.
In one recent case we handled involving Progressive Insurance, the initial offer was just $10. Not ten thousand. Not one thousand. Just ten dollars.
It was not because the claim had no merit—far from it. Once our client realized how unreasonable the offer was, they contacted our office for help.
We investigated the claim’s true value, gathered documentation, negotiated directly with the adjuster, and ultimately secured a far more appropriate settlement. That case is a reminder of two important things:
If you reject a settlement offer, you still have options. You are not required to accept the first (or second) number they send your way.
After you reject the offer, you can:
Rejecting an offer does not close your claim. In fact, it may be the first step in a process that results in a much better outcome—especially if you have legal guidance.
One of the most common complaints we hear is about an insurance low ball offer on a totaled car. If your vehicle was declared a total loss and the offer barely covers its value, do not rush to accept.
Insurance companies use formulas and databases that do not always reflect your car’s actual condition or market value. You have the right to:
You can also submit a letter response to a low settlement offer stating why the offer is unacceptable and what documentation supports a higher amount.
If the offer does not come close to covering your losses, here are some practical steps to take:
Getting emotional or angry may feel justified, but it will not help your claim. Instead, respond with facts and documentation.
You do not have to be a lawyer to write a response. In your letter:
A clear, organized response shows that you are serious and informed.
If you are dealing with medical expenses, pain and suffering, or wage loss, it may be time to stop negotiating alone. A skilled lawyer can:
Insurance companies often make better offers once a lawyer is involved. They know you are no longer an easy target.
If you are negotiating a personal injury settlement, you are not just dealing with car repairs. You are dealing with:
The insurance company will often ignore or undervalue these parts of your claim. That is where having legal representation makes a huge difference. At 222 Injury Lawyers, we handle these negotiations every day—and we know how to present your case in a way that gets results.
If the insurance company refuses to negotiate, ignores your calls, or withholds information, they may be acting in bad faith. In Oklahoma, insurers are legally required to:
If they do not, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond your original claim. Our team can help you understand whether the insurer crossed a legal line—and what you can do about it.
The timeline varies. After submitting a counteroffer or additional documents, it may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to receive a new offer.
The speed depends on:
If you feel like the adjuster is stalling, that may be a tactic. We can help cut through the delays and move the process forward.
If you are tired of back-and-forth calls, confusing paperwork, or low offers, you do not have to keep doing this alone.
You should strongly consider hiring a lawyer if:
At 222 Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay us unless we win or settle your case.
If you are not happy with a settlement offer, you are not stuck. You have every right to ask for more—and to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.
We help people across Tulsa and Oklahoma who feel overwhelmed or underpaid by the insurance system. If you are wondering what to do next, start by getting real answers from a legal team that works for you—not the insurance company.
Call 222 Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us review your offer, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
222 Injury Lawyers, PLLC
6421 Avondale Dr, Ste 201
Nichols Hills, OK 73116
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222 Injury Lawyers, PLLC
1217 E 33rd St.
Tulsa, OK 74105
*Please send all mail correspondence to this location