Naperville Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
After being involved in an accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the aftermath—medical bills, injuries, vehicle damage, and the insurance process can all pile up quickly. During this time, you might be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurance company, offering you a settlement. In most cases, this settlement offer will come with a release form, a document that, once signed, means you agree not to pursue any further legal action related to the accident.
While it might seem tempting to resolve the matter quickly, signing a release without consulting an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can have long-lasting consequences. Here’s why you should never sign a release without first talking to a lawyer.
- You May Be Settling for Far Less Than You Deserve
Insurance companies are businesses that aim to minimize their financial losses. In many cases, the first settlement offer they present is far below what you may be entitled to. This is especially true if your injuries require ongoing medical care or you’ve missed work due to your recovery.
If you sign a release without understanding the full scope of your injuries or the long-term impact of the accident, you could be left with inadequate compensation. The personal injury lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates can help assess the true value of your claim, by taking into account factors such as future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Without this professional evaluation, you risk signing away your rights for a settlement that may not cover all of your costs, both past and future.
- Once You Sign, You Can’t Go Back
A release form is a legally binding document. Once signed, it generally prevents you from taking any further legal action against the at-fault party or their insurer, even if new issues arise down the road. For example, you may initially believe your injuries are minor, only to discover later that they are more serious than you initially thought and you require additional medical treatment. If you’ve already signed a release, you can’t go back to the insurance company and ask for more compensation to cover these unforeseen expenses.
A lawyer can ensure that any settlement offer adequately accounts for both your current and future needs. They can also advise you on whether it’s wise to settle at this time or wait until your condition is more thoroughly assessed.
- You May Not Fully Understand What You’re Signing
Insurance companies often use legal jargon and complex language in their release forms. Without a legal background, it can be difficult to fully understand what you’re agreeing to when you sign. You might overlook critical terms that waive your rights or limit your options moving forward.
A personal injury lawyer can carefully review the release and explain it to you in clear, understandable terms. They will ensure that you know exactly what you’re agreeing to and can advise you on whether the terms are fair. If the release is too restrictive, your lawyer can negotiate more favorable terms or advise you to reject the settlement altogether.
- You May Be Signing Away Compensation for Future Medical Costs
One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is settling too early, especially when it comes to medical expenses. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away, or they may worsen over time. If you sign a release before knowing the full extent of your injuries, you could be forfeiting the right to seek additional compensation for future medical treatments.
A personal injury attorney will work with medical professionals to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and that any potential long-term health consequences are taken into account. This helps ensure that the settlement you agree to covers both your immediate and future medical needs.
- Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
It’s important to remember that the insurance adjuster’s goal is to protect the company’s bottom line, not to ensure that you receive fair compensation. While they may seem friendly and helpful, their primary objective is to settle your claim for as little money as possible.
A personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, works solely in your best interest. They will fight to maximize your compensation and ensure that your rights are protected. By signing a release without legal counsel, you are essentially relying on the insurance company to act in good faith—a gamble that rarely works in favor of accident victims.
- A Lawyer Can Help You Negotiate a Better Settlement
Even if the initial settlement offer seems reasonable, it’s almost always negotiable. A personal injury lawyer is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and knows how to build a strong case to justify a higher settlement amount. They will gather evidence, calculate your damages, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Without legal representation, you may be leaving money on the table, simply because you don’t know how much your claim is really worth or how to effectively negotiate with the insurance company.
- Protect Your Future
Signing a release without consulting a lawyer can have serious, long-term consequences. You may be left with insufficient compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, or other accident-related expenses. Worse, you could be stuck shouldering the financial burden for injuries that worsen over time or new symptoms that develop later.
By talking to a personal injury lawyer before signing anything, you can protect your financial future and ensure that your rights are preserved. Your attorney will guide you through the process, help you understand your legal options, and work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of an accident, it’s understandable to want to resolve things quickly. However, signing a release without first consulting a personal injury lawyer can lead to costly mistakes that affect your recovery and financial well-being. Before you sign anything, make sure you fully understand your rights and the potential long-term consequences. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to review the release and ensure you’re making the best decision for your future.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact the top-rated Illinois personal injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. We are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the complex legal landscape, deal with insurance companies, and obtain the justice they deserve.