Seek Advice Before Signing an Accident Release

After a car accident, many victims want to get their lives back to normal again. This is understandable, particularly for those dealing with injuries because of a careless driver. Unfortunately, getting things back to normal may lead some victims to take impulsive actions. Read on to find out why it's so important to stop and seek professional legal advice before you sign anything after an accident.

What is an Accident Release?

This form can be called a release, a waiver, an agreement, a settlement, etc. Accident releases are not necessarily a bad thing in the right circumstances. This way of dealing with a car accident can shorten the usual wait of several months for a case to come to trial but can still result in the victim being paid what they deserve.

Unfortunately, some victims may sign a release without realizing what it means. To prevent being taken advantage of by the other driver's insurance company, take the following steps:

1. Don't provide a recorded statement to the other party's insurer. You are not required to speak to the other insurance company, no matter what they may say. It gives them a chance to question you without legal support about the wreck. Anything you say could harm your chances of being compensated, even if you had no intention of doing so.

2. Seek help from a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able. Most personal injury lawyers will speak to clients without charging them anything, so ask for a free consultation. Once they get the case details, they can advise you on your next move. In some instances, they will agree to represent you.

That means you won't have to deal with the insurance company and you can focus on healing from your injuries instead. It also means you have a professional negotiator on your side to get you the biggest settlement possible. You could get the full amount of money damages for your accident and not just what the insurer offers you in the release.

3. Pay attention to time. While personal injury cases always have to abide by the statute of limitations in the state where the accident happened, valuable evidence may be lost if you wait too long. Evidence can include everything from eye-witness reports to roadside damage and skid marks.

4. Seek medical attention. If you fail to get adequate medical care for your injuries from the accident, you cannot be paid compensation. The other side might allege that your injuries are not serious enough to earn compensation or that your injuries came from somewhere else.

Speak to services like Campbell Barnett PLLC before you sign anything after an accident. This could increase your chances of being compensated for what you went through.


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