In a Car Accident? Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer
Posted on Sep 30, 2010 6:02pm PDT
I know it sounds self-serving, but if you get hurt in a car accident, you should talk to a lawyer before you sign anything or accept any money. Let me use a real-world example to show why.
A nice lady called me this week and said she had been injured in a car accident. The negligent driver's insurance company promptly offered to pay her medical bills. She sent all of her bills to the insurance company, they sent her a check and she signed a release.
A few days later she got another bill from the hospital. She called the insurance company to arrange for them to pay the bill. They refused to pay it because she had signed the release and taken their money. She was stuck paying the bill herself.
The problem is that she signed the release too soon and without understanding the consequences. The release barred any further responsibility on the part of the negligent driver and the insurance company.
Another problem is that she waived her right to compensation for non-economic damages, or pain and suffering. She essentially sold herself short.
If you get hurt in a car accident that was someone else's fault, please call me before signing or agreeing to anything. I will advise of your rights, make sure you get fair compensation for all of your injuries and make sure you are not left paying bills you should not be responsible for. As an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney, can help file a claim and protect your rights against the greedy insurance trying to short change you. Contact my office today to schedule a consultation.