Car accident lawyers always remind their clients that they should never try to deal with the insurance company on their own. This has nothing to do with the law. The law doesn’t require you to hire a lawyer in order to settle your insurance claim. And, you may be the most intelligent person in the world. Unfortunately, dealing with the insurance company has nothing to do with intelligence. It has to do with experience. Most people don’t have a whole lot of experience dealing with insurance companies. After all, nobody is in the habit of getting in car accidents every year or so. So, when it does come time to deal with an insurance adjustor, or sign a release from an insurance company, you may be at a disadvantage.
Car accident lawyers in Georgia have a lot of experience dealing with insurance adjustors. They have spent years fighting to get their clients as much money as possible. They’re also used to clients telling them that the insurance company tried to take advantage of them. This isn’t surprising. Insurance companies aren’t in the habit of giving away money. If they paid every claim in full, they’d go out of business in no time. It is a lot easier for them to try to take advantage of car accident victims who don’t have an attorney. Without somebody to look out for your best interests, you may not get as much money as you’re entitled to. This is why it’s always a good idea to talk to a car accident lawyer in Georgia first. And, whatever you do, never sign any settlement papers from the insurance company without an attorney reviewing it first.
What is a Settlement Release Anyway?
When you submit your insurance claim, one of two things will happen. If the claim is small, it’ll probably be paid right away. You’ll get your check in a week or two. It will cover the damage to your car and any other obvious expenses. The other thing that can happen is your claim will be denied. If this is the case, you can file an appeal. The insurance adjustor may call or send you a letter offering to pay less than the full claim amount. You may be desperate for money and agree to take the settlement. Before they give you any money, they’ll expect you to sign something called a release. This is a document that states that you can’t come back to the insurance company for more money later. You release the defendant and the insurance company from any further liability. This means that, if you find out a month later that you need surgery, the defendant isn’t liable for the costs of that surgery. You are. Or, if you find out in a few months that you are not able to work ever again, you can’t go back to the insurance company and ask for more money. Once you sign and submit this release, you have no further action against the defendant.
Make Sure an Experienced Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Reviews Your Settlement Release Before You Sign It
You may feel proud because, for the most part, you’ve handled your own car accident claim. You filed the paperwork, got the police report and did everything that was asked of you. And, you must’ve done something right because the insurance adjustor has offered to settle your case. Sure, it’s a lot less money that you had hoped for. But you need money and you need it fast. You don’t have time to wait around for months or years hoping to get more money. However, you want to be careful before you sign any settlement releases. Once your name is on the dotted line, you can’t change your mind. And, for all you know, the insurance company may be offering you a lot less money than you deserve.
Call and talk to an experienced car accident law office in Atlanta before you sign anything. You have no idea if your settlement is even enough to cover your outstanding medical bills. The insurance company that covered your medical care is going to expect to be reimbursed. If your settlement doesn’t cover these expenses, you can be held personally liable for these bills. Don’t let that happen. Call and schedule your free initial consultation with our office today. If need be, we can do the consultation by phone. Our goal is to make sure you get as much money as possible.
