Injury victims from auto accidents are required to sign a release before receiving compensation from an insurance provider. This release signifies the victim’s acceptance of the settlement and their decision to forego further claims for compensation from the insurance provider.
If all of your injuries have been accurately identified and you have an expert estimate of the complete cost of future medical care for any unresolved medical conditions related to the accident, you have talked to a lawyer to determine if the settlement is reasonable, and the insurance provider has complied with all of their duties in handling your claim, then signing a release is appropriate.
If you have not yet talked to a personal injury attorney, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.
Keep in mind that a release covers damages of all kinds
Most people can understand that signing the release waives their right to pursue further compensation for their injuries. The release has been regarded by the courts as a waiver of all damages related to the case, including any potential bad faith lawsuits against the insurance carrier. This is something that many people—and even some attorneys—forget.
Instances involving uninsured or underinsured motorists frequently include this problem. Since the defendant in these situations does not have enough insurance, the victim ultimately seeks recompense from their own insurance provider. This needs to be considered a first-party claim. The insurance provider, however, occasionally handles these claims more like third-party claims by introducing delays on purpose and providing lowball settlements. Due to the company’s failure to fulfill its duties to its own customers, this might be regarded as insurance bad faith.
However, clients normally have no option for an insurance bad faith claim if a release is signed. Actually, everything hinges on how the release is written.
Conclusion: Always consult a lawyer
All of this just serves to highlight how crucial it is to work with a knowledgeable automobile accident injury lawyer to help you with claim preparation, particularly if you need to file an uninsured or underinsured driver claim. Fortunately, Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas offers the high caliber legal counsel you require. Call us at 909-982-0707 to obtain your free initial case examination.
