Before You Agree To Settle: Seek Advice

If a car accident has disrupted your life, you may be entitled to compensation that goes beyond your medical expenses and car repair. Most people are so eager to get some semblance of normal back that they are too hasty in agreeing to an accident settlement. Read on to find out why you should never give in to the pressure to sign an accident release form.

You May Not Understand the Consequences

Once you have agreed to what the insurance company is offering and sign on the dotted line, you cannot change your mind. A settlement is a legal act and it means that you are giving up your options to take any legal action against the at-fault driver or their insurance company at any time in the future. Setting aside the fact that you are still likely dealing with the trauma and shock of the accident, you may be suffering from the financial ramifications of the accident, which can easily lead to making some unfortunate decisions like accepting inadequate settlements. If you, later on, begin to feel better about your recovery, you might find out that other accident victims received far higher settlements for similar accidents and injury situations. You will also probably find out that what sets your case and their cases apart is that they were working with a personal injury attorney when they settled their case.

You Are Pressured to Sign the Release

Those not having legal representation can also fall victim to the pressures placed by the other side. It is in their own best interest if you agree to a small settlement rather than have a full understanding of what you should be getting. The at-fault driver's insurance adjuster will most certainly phone you and speak with you about a settlement as soon after the wreck as possible. The greater the likelihood that their client caused the wreck and the higher your medical expenses, the more aggressive the adjuster will be in their quest to get you to sign. You should never trust the information coming from such a source and you must never be talked into giving the other side a recorded statement about the wreck either.

Know What You Are Owed Before You Settle

The only way to be 100% certain that you are receiving a fair settlement for the way the accident has affected your life is to speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case. Only then will you know how close you might have come to making a huge mistake in accepting a check that fell short of your needs. No matter what you are told by an insurance company employee, turn to your own lawyer for advice that benefits you and your family.

For more information, contact an auto accident lawyer.