Posted on Friday, December 11th, 2015 at 12:25 am
You were taking your family on a short day trip from Sacramento to San Francisco. While you were on Interstate 80, another driver cut off a motorcyclist causing you to swerve into the car next to you. Within seconds, you are in the middle of a multi-car crash on I-80. You and your family are not critically injured; however, you and your wife lose time from work, you require physical therapy, and the medical bills total thousands of dollars. You have returned to work and completed physical therapy; therefore, the insurance adjuster asks you to sign a release of liability so that he can pay the medical bills and pay your losses. What should you do?
Signing a Release of Liability is Not in Your Best Interest
The insurance company for the at-fault driver will try to settle your accident claim as quickly as possible before you realize how severely you are injured. In some cases, the severity of your injuries may not be fully known until after you complete extensive physical therapy and you are re-evaluated by your physician. Signing a release of liability before you have reached maximum medical recovery can result in a much lower settlement amount. Instead of making this costly mistake, consult a Sacramento vehicle accident attorney before you sign any releases in an accident claim.
When you sign a release of liability, you give up the right to seek any further compensation from the at-fault driver and the insurance company. For example, if you discover that the slight pain you have been experiencing in your back is actually a ruptured disc that requires surgery, you cannot file a claim for compensation if you have signed a release of liability.
Before the insurance company settles a vehicle accident claim, you must sign a release of liability; therefore, you do not want to settle your case too soon. You need to make sure that the full extent of your injuries and damages are known before you release the insurance company and the at-fault driver from any further liability.
It is in the best interest of the insurance company to settle your accident claim quickly for a small amount to avoid future liability. It is in your best interest to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before you sign a release of liability. Once you have signed the release of liability, it is too late to do anything if you need additional medical treatment or discover a permanent disability.
Do What is in Your Best Interest!
The insurance company does not have your best interest as its top priority. An insurance company is in business to make money. It wants to minimize the amount of money it must pay to you for your losses in a car accident. The adjuster may offer you an amount to settle your claim quickly hoping you will sign a release of liability. Do not fall for this insurance trick.
Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Tiemann Law Firm before you sign a release of liability. In fact, it is in your best interest not to discuss your injuries with the insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney and you understand your legal rights regarding California personal injury laws.
Call our toll free number (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website if you have more questions about a release of liability or vehicle accident claims.
