Don’t Sign Away Your Rights!

Hurt in an Accident? Don’t Sign Anything Before Speaking to an Attorney!

A car accident can be a traumatic experience. On top of that, there are other things that you need to do immediately after the accident has occurred. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to get in touch with a car accident victim hours after the accident has occurred. They are looking to talk to you before you speak with an attorney. If they can get you to start negotiating on any settlement amount, they now have information that they will use to limit the value of your claim.

Limiting Liability

These insurance companies are merely trying to limit liability by making sure that they don’t pay the full amount as far as a claim is concerned. A representative may call or visit you at home or in the hospital and, with feigned interest, try to find out how you are doing.

By admitting that you ‘feel okay’ or ‘are fine’, an insurance company can use this information against you as grounds for paying you a meager payout sum, insisting that your injuries were not severe. Most of these insurers will also try to get you to sign papers. Don’t sign ANYTHING without approval from your attorney.

Settlement Offers

Don’t be fooled! Yes, the $6,000 settlement offer may initially seem like the best way to cover your immediate expenses, but you have not been treated yet. You may find out next month that you require back surgery or years of physical therapy. If you’ve already accepted a settlement offer, you have NO recourse for seeking any more compensation from them.

The proper way to handle a personal injury case is to get treatment first, then seek reimbursement plus future expenses. You must also back up your demand. You cannot simply ask for $1 million without explaining how and why you reached that amount. You attorney can use past cases in conjunction with expert witnesses to demonstrate why you deserve what you’re demanding. Don’t have money for doctor’s bills? Speak to your attorney about getting a letter of protection. This way the doctor will treat you for no up-front costs, knowing that he will get paid back if and when you recover compensation. By hiring an attorney, you can also avoid any and all contact with the defendants while you’re being treated, and you will give yourself the best chance at a successful recovery.

Don’t Sign Away Your Rights

Please understand that signing insurance papers right after an accident may bar you from ever filing a lawsuit against the other party. In fact, my law firm recently got a call from a distressed woman who had just been in an accident.

The woman in question contacted us for legal help after her accident. Upon talking to her, we realized that she had spoken to an insurance firm and even signed some forms. Given her lack of knowledge in such matters, she unknowingly signed away her rights to sue!

We were unable to help her as much as we would have wanted because the documents she had signed effectively tied our hands. It’s not uncommon for people to think that insurance companies are only looking out for them. However, the opposite is usually the case, and you’d be better off talking to an experienced attorney first. Remember, the consultations at Rasansky Law Firm are always free.

Speak With a Lawyer

I understand that car accidents can put an incredible amount of strain on a person. It’s because of this that I’d like to help take the pain away by asking you to simply call us, discuss the facts of your case, and we’ll explain your legal options for no cost. You can call 1-800-ATTORNEY day or night, 24 hours a day. We’ll handle all the details and help you get both the medical attention you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Category: Lawyer's Advice