If you were involved in an accident the insurance company will likely have contacted you shortly after the incident. The insurance representative will discuss the case with you to determine exactly what happened and who was at fault for the accident. In order to resolve an insurance claim the company may offer a settlement. In order to accept a settlement payment you will be required to sign a release document. It is often best to discuss the situation with a personal injury attorney in Rome, GA before you make any decisions.
Negotiations and Settlements in Accident Cases
Insurance companies want to resolve cases as quickly and efficiently as possible. A representative may work with you to determine your medical costs and other damages. Then, the rep may make you a settlement offer. You may not realize that you can turn down a settlement offer from an insurance company. This is typically done in order to negotiate a better result.
The settlement may not be enough to cover all of your current and future medical expenses as well as other damages such as lost wages. Although you may be tempted to accept a check you may be doing yourself a disservice by doing so. You might end up with additional out-of-pocket expenses and other losses that you will have to pay for yourself. It is almost always worthwhile to allow an attorney to review the case to determine whether it is the best option.
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Assistance from a Personal Injury Attorney
An Atlanta personal injury lawyer will act on your behalf to aggressively negotiate your claim with the insurance provider. There are many expenses associated with an injury and these need to be accounted for in the final settlement offer. Many insurance companies would prefer to settle the claim rather than go through the expense and hassle of going to court. However, if an offer is inappropriate, your attorney may recommend that you take the case further.
Remembering a few things when dealing with the insurance company is important. You may be required to provide a statement of what happened. Do not admit guilt or suggest that you did anything wrong. Simply state the facts as you remember them. It is helpful to seek guidance from your attorney before you answer these questions because the interview will be recorded and the answers could keep you from achieving the best settlement possible. Do not cash a settlement check if one is sent because it typically states that by cashing the check you agree to relieve the insured of any further liability.
In addition, a release document is the same type of protection for the company. It usually states that you accept the settlement and precludes you from taking any further legal action in the future regarding the incident. Review the document with an attorney before you sign it. If you have been involved in an accident contact the legal team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers to schedule a consultation.
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