Where Do I Sign My Car Accident Settlement?

If you have been hurt in a traffic collision, it is not uncommon for the opposing party’s insurance provider to offer a quick settlement. It may be tempting to accept this initial offer. 

After all, doing so will save you the trouble of negotiating and avoid the possibility of a lawsuit. But you should be careful before accepting a quick settlement offer.  

When you accept a settlement, you will be required to sign a form from the insurance company. This form waives your right to bring any type of legal claim against the opposing party for your injuries or damages. 

Signing this paperwork “releases” the at-fault party from any further responsibility for the harm that you suffered. Make sure to speak with a knowledgeable attorney before signing anything related to your accident or injuries. 

A skilled lawyer will review any proposed settlements or associated waiver forms. They will help you understand how these forms relate to the following issues:

Covering Your Damages

Your primary concern when pursuing compensation for a traffic accident injury should be recovering an adequate amount of money. Make sure to account for all of the monetary losses that resulted from your collision. 

Determining the price of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle might be simple. However, this is not the only type of financial loss that most victims face. 

Other common monetary costs from car accidents include: 

• Current and future medical bills
• Medical travel, including ambulance rides
• Lost wages and missed income when you cannot work
• Non-vehicular property damage
• Permanent loss of earning potential 

However, not every type of harm from a car accident takes the form of a monetary loss. Some of the most devastating consequences of a personal injury are not financial.  

Victims deserve to recover compensation for these types of losses, as well. Payments for intangible losses are known as “non-economic” damages. 

Some typical examples of these damages in traffic accident cases include payments for the following: 

• Physical suffering and pain
• Mental anguish and distress, including depression, panic, and anxiety
• Loss of the ability to enjoy life
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Disfigurement
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

It can be very difficult to calculate the amount of non-economic damages that you are owed following a car accident. That is why it is critical to speak with a seasoned legal professional.

The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will assess the circumstances of your accident and help determine an adequate settlement amount. You should never settle for less than you are rightfully owed.

When you and your attorney believe that the compensation offer is fair, the settlement can be finalized. Once again, you wonder, “Where do I sign my car accident settlement?” Your attorney will arrange for you to sign it at a convenient time and place. It may even be possible to sign your car accident settlement electronically.

Considering Your Insurance Provider

It is also vital to consider your own insurance company before signing a settlement with another. Signing a release form foregoes your insurance company’s right to pursue a legal claim. 

In some instances, this can cost your insurance provider the chance to recover money from the at-fault party. Because of this possibility, many state laws require policyholders to get their insurer’s permission before signing these waiver forms as part of a settlement. 

A knowledgeable legal specialist will have a thorough knowledge of the relevant laws in your state. The team at Morgan & Morgan knows how to effectively negotiate for the settlement amount that you deserve.  

Whether you should sign a settlement or release will depend on the specific circumstances of your situation. Your Morgan & Morgan attorney will fight for an adequate amount of compensation and help you understand the implications of any settlement offer. 

You should never accept an inadequate settlement amount. When you contact one of the experienced trial-ready attorneys at Morgan & Morgan, you can rest assured that your car accident claim is in capable hands.

Most personal injury claims are settled following a successful negotiation between the opposing parties. Still, sometimes negotiations break down. 

If this happens in your case, you may need to pursue a lawsuit to recover the compensation that is rightfully yours. You should not have to be concerned that your lawyer is unprepared to handle the demands of a civil trial. 

At the firm of Morgan & Morgan, we have more than 1,000 tort attorneys with courtroom experience. Our legal team is fully trial-ready and will pursue your case as far as is necessary. 

If needed, we will draft and file a powerful lawsuit on your behalf. Do not allow a tightfisted insurance company to rely on your lawyer’s unwillingness to go to trial.

Yes! Some people mistakenly think that all lawyers have the same set of skills. This could not be further from the truth. 

If you have been harmed in a traffic accident, hire an attorney with plenty of experience in cases like yours. A knowledgeable car crash attorney will be familiar with your state’s traffic and insurance laws. 

This will help you have the best chance of getting compensation for the injuries and damages that you have experienced. At Morgan & Morgan, our legal team has represented car accident victims for more than 30 years. We will fight tirelessly for you.

When you or someone you love is hoping to secure financial recovery following a car accident, do not wait. Reach out to the legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan.  

Our compassionate attorneys believe that all motor vehicle accident victims deserve justice. You will not pay any legal fees unless we successfully settle or win your accident case. 

To schedule a no-cost consultation with no obligation, complete the simple contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website right now.