What Does It Mean To Settle A Personal Injury Claim

Section 8. What Does It Mean To Settle A Personal Injury Claim

In most personal injury cases, the person or business who caused the injury has insurance which pays the person who was injured when the personal injury claim is proven. When an injury occurs, the insurance company has an adjuster review the case and determine how much the insurance company may have to pay. After completing an investigation, the adjuster will contact the injured person and try to reach a settlement which is simply an agreement on how much the insurance company will pay the injured person. If the injured person and insurance company agree, then the settlement is put in writing and the insurance company pays the injured person.

There are several points about personal injury law to keep in mind when settling a personal injury claim.

First, an injured person is not required to accept whatever the insurance company offers. The injured person may believe that he/she is entitled to receive more compensation. If so, the injured person can negotiate with the insurance company.

Second, people need to keep in mind that when they settle with an insurance company, the insurance company will require that the injured person sign a release stating that the injured person releases everyone from any claim(s) resulting from the event which caused the injury. This release effectively ends completely any and all claims for damages suffered in the injury event regardless of who caused the injury or what was the injury.

Third, before reaching a settlement, it is wise to make sure that you have reached maximum medical healing and that you know what are all of your damages. Many insurance adjusters will try to get you to settle early and quickly before you know what are your total damages. This can save the insurance company money. For example, you are injured in a car accident and you quickly settle your case. Later, you discover that you have additional injuries from the accident. Since you have already settled, you will not be able to recover any additional compensation for your injuries. So, make sure that you have completely healed before you settle with an insurance company or anyone else concerning the event that caused your injuries.

The above s general information only and may or may not be applicable to your situation. If you have any questions whatsoever, talk with a lawyer licensed in your state.

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