What Is A Signed Release Form And Why Does It Matter?

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Dealing with the aftermath of a severe accident often involves numerous meetings, calls, and complicated legal forms. This process can be daunting even when you're only dealing with property damage, but it's far more stressful when injuries are involved. In many cases, you may simply want the insurance company to cover your medical bills so you can move on.

Unfortunately, resolving an accident is rarely this simple, and rushing through the process can leave you without appropriate compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. If you want to ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly, it's crucial to understand the concept of a signed release form and how it can affect your claim.

How Do Signed Release Forms Work?

You may hear signed release forms go by a few different names, including liability waivers, release of all claims forms, and similar. These terms all describe the document you're likely to receive from the insurance company along with your settlement check. In short, this document releases the insurance company and at-fault party from further liability in your accident.

You'll typically need to sign this form before you can cash your settlement check, and you may even need to sign it before you receive the check. This release of liability is the primary justification the insurance company has for providing a settlement. In exchange for cutting you a check, they receive a legally binding guarantee that you won't sue them for further damages.

Should You Sign a Release Form?

Signing a release form will effectively end your accident claim, barring a few unusual circumstances or bad faith actions on the part of the insurance company. While signing a release may be advisable for minor accidents involving only property damage, taking your time with more complex cases involving injuries is better. It's especially critical to avoid signing a release if your medical treatment is ongoing.

What Should You Do Instead?

If you've suffered significant injuries in an accident and the insurance company requests that you sign a liability waiver, it's crucial to talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will help you review your case, go over your medical costs, and determine if the insurance company is providing a fair settlement for your damages.

You should not feel compelled to sign a liability waiver just because the insurance company requests you do so. Consulting with an attorney will help you get the funds you deserve and ensure you aren't signing a settlement that leaves you unable to cover your medical expenses or future bills.

For more information, contact a car accident lawyer near you.

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13 July 2022

Talking About Car Accident Cases

Hello everyone, my name is Nina Zoulon. On this site, I am going to share information about hiring a personal injury attorney. I will also talk about my journey to procuring those services for myself. When I was a beginning driver, I was on the road constantly. During one of those excursions, a driver going the opposite direction crossed the centerline and plowed straight into my vehicle. I was trapped by the dashboard for hours while firefighters helped me escape. After the accident, the other driver tried to blame my inexperience on the accident. I hired a lawyer to help me fight the case and I won. I would like to discuss personal injury attorney services in more detail to help other people win their cases in court. Thanks.