Is Your Accident Settlement Over When It's Over?
If you are like most accident victims, you long for the days of normalcy. It's only natural to want to get your life back again after a vehicle accident. Unfortunately, haste can mean mistakes get made as you settle your case.
Use Caution with a Settlement
If the other driver was determined to be at fault for your accident, you may be offered a monetary settlement from their insurer. The amount may sound like a lot and so you agree to it. Once you have signed a release and accepted the money, the case is over. Only in rare circumstances, such as when fraud is involved, will a closed accident case be reopened.
Never agree to a settlement from the other side right away. Even though they may insist that the offer is valid for a limited period only, that is not the case. In addition, it's more than likely that the amount you have been offered is not enough.
That is why it's so important to speak to a personal injury lawyer before you do anything you might regret later. The lawyer will probably offer to speak to you at no cost. You will come away knowing that your case is worth pursuing and you could be offered more money.
Settlements Are Forever
An accident settlement means that you are satisfied with the compensation you have been offered. It also means agreeing that you won't (and can't) take any further legal action against the driver and insurer. You cannot be paid more money than the agreement specifies, and you cannot take anyone involved to court later.
Be careful about agreeing to a settlement that does not cover your needs. For instance, if you find out a few months after the accident that you need more surgery, you cannot be paid for those medical expenses, lost time at work, and more because of that surgery.
However, those listening to their personal injury lawyers might have only agreed to a settlement that included compensation for future medical needs. Future medical needs are one of several damage categories that many victims tend to overlook. However, your personal injury lawyer won't overlook a thing that brings you the compensation you deserve.
Consider not even speaking with the other driver's insurer. You are not required to do so, and your personal injury lawyer may advise you against it. Speak to a firm like Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi, LLC to find out more.