I am thrilled to share a positive outcome we recently had in an auto accident case. This was not a case with dramatic liability issues or massive damages, but it was a classic example of an insurance company undervaluing a client’s claim. My client had been in a car accident, and Liberty Mutual, the insurer, offered just $5,595. That was their final offer, which they claimed was fair. However, we knew the case was worth much more.
The dispute was not about whether the other driver was at fault — that was clear. The real issue was the value of the damages. The insurance company, as they sometimes do, was unwilling to recognize the true value of the claim. Liberty Mutual’s offer was simply too low. We were not even close to settling.
A Victory in Arbitration: A Story of Justice for Our Auto Accident Client
Opting for Arbitration
Rather than battling this out in court, we were able to resolve the case through arbitration, which is a quicker and less frustrating process. Arbitration is a great alternative because it bypasses much of the typical court system bureaucracy. It allows the case to be resolved in a more streamlined, straightforward manner. In arbitration, both sides present their case before an arbitrator (a neutral party) who reviews the facts and makes a binding decision.
There is no jury, no endless court motions, and no drawn-out appeals. It is a much more efficient process. The whole thing typically takes just half a day. It allows us to focus on what is most important: getting the best result for the client without the stress and time-consuming aspects of a traditional court case.
The Results
In this case, the arbitrator determined that the claim was worth $20,000—far above Liberty Mutual’s initial offer of $5,595. Liberty Mutual likely regrets not negotiating further and settling the claim sooner. Between the award and the additional costs for attorneys’ fees, they ended up spending far more than if they had simply agreed to a fair settlement from the start.
I am glad we took this route and did not accept the insurance company’s lowball offer. More importantly, the client is happy, which is always my top priority. It was not difficult to convince them that the offer from Liberty Mutual was way too low, but it is always reassuring when an independent arbitrator confirms the true value of the case.
Why This Matters
There are two things that matter most to me when I handle a case. First, the client should walk away feeling like they won, and second, the insurance company should feel like they lost. In this case, I believe we accomplished both. Liberty Mutual likely wishes they had offered more upfront, and my client is walking away feeling fully compensated.
I see this case as a win for the client and for our team. It is also a message to insurance companies that we will not settle for less than fair compensation. While most of my cases do settle, and typically at amounts that are reasonable, every so often it is important to stand firm and fight when necessary. This win reinforces our commitment to ensuring our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Our Experienced Team
I am proud to say we have an experienced and dedicated team here. Blondie has been with me for over 15 years, Attorney Kelleher for 27 years, and Savannah for more than a decade. As for me, I have personally handled over 10,000 auto accident cases in my career. Together, we have put tens of millions of dollars into the pockets of our clients. This is the number that really matters—the amount clients walk away with after all fees and expenses are paid. Many lawyers like to brag about the big numbers in settlements or judgments, but what clients truly care about is how much they receive in the end. That is why our focus is always on maximizing what goes into the client’s pocket. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, our experienced team is ready to help. We will fight for the compensation you deserve, and we will not settle for anything less than what is fair.