When should I sign the insurance company release form?
The release form states that you agree to the settlement terms explained in the document and relieves the insurer of any further liability with the accident and injuries sustained. Unfortunately, many injured victims accept settlements that ignore potential future expenses like loss of benefits and future doctor bills. In addition, many insurance companies offer settlements that do not include nonmonetary damages like pain and suffering.
You are strongly advised not to sign anything from the insurance company until you’ve had an attorney review the paperwork. Your personal injury lawyer can make sure your final settlement fairly reflects the harm that was done to you and covers the full range of compensation afforded by law.
Does my attorney get paid out of the insurance company settlement?
Most likely. For attorneys who work on contingency, the total cost of legal fees will be collected only after a settlement is reached. Most law firms will subtract their fees from the settlement amount and then pass on the balance to your family. Generally, the lawyer will get paid a certain percentage of the total amount. Be sure to ask about the fees and payment policy during the initial consultation with your InjurySettlementLawyers.com attorney.
What will my settlement amount be?
The final amount of your personal injury compensation will depend on the details of your injury, the evidence discovered, the arguments presented by your attorney, and other such factors. Your legal team will consult with a variety of experts to help determine the total amount your case is worth.
Is hiring an attorney really necessary to get a settlement?
Receiving an injury settlement is possible without an attorney, but will the insurance company agree to a fair settlement? You’ve got two factors against you if you go this route: 1) Insurance companies have time-tested strategies for holding on to as much money as possible and keeping payouts low, and 2) Having little or no experience with personal injury law, most average citizens have no idea what a fair settlement actually looks like.
While you are afforded the right to file a personal injury claim on your own, or to accept the insurance company’s offer without filing a lawsuit, you may greatly increase your chances of getting a fair settlement by hiring an injury settlement lawyer.
What’s the best way to pick an attorney?
As you move forward with choosing an injury settlement lawyer, make a list of the qualities you are looking for in your representation, such as experience, personal attention, availability, and track record. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so you can meet with a few law firms before you decide. Trust your instincts and pick the attorney whom you feel will represent your best interests and work hard to get you a fair settlement.
If you’d like to speak to a skilled, knowledgeable personal injury attorney about the injuries that have hurt your family, please search our list of injury settlement lawyers to find a professional near you.