You should always consult with an automobile accident lawyer in Indiana before you decide to take any settlement offer. Wanting to settle quickly and early may seem like the best option, especially if you have mounting medical bills and seemingly no way to pay them. However, there are at least three reasons that taking that settlement check early is a bad idea.

1. Historically Lower Offer

As any Indiana automobile accident lawyer will probably tell you, the first offer you get from an insurance adjuster is likely lower than you could expect to receive if you move forward with your claim. The reason is simple, an adjuster’s job is to minimize the financial risk to their employer. Therefore, they will tell you that their offer is better than you can expect if you take it to court, but in reality, that is not the case.

2. Injuries Manifest Over Time

Another reason to delay settlement discussions and agreements is that injuries can take time to fully manifest. It is difficult to understand the full extent of your injuries without being thoroughly examined and treated by a medical professional. Therefore, as any automobile accident lawyer in Indiana will tell you, you should wait to be fully assessed by a doctor before entering into any such talks.

3. Future Claims Forfeiture

Last, if you do settle early, then you will probably be asked to sign an agreement stating that you forfeit any right to future litigation of your claim. Therefore, if your injuries are worse than initially thought, then you are out of luck and will need to use your own insurance or pay out of pocket for your treatment.
If you were injured in a car accident and have been approached by an insurance adjuster, then contact a local automobile accident lawyer in Indiana. Hold off agreeing on any settlement offer without first understanding all of the legal ramifications for your decision. Contact Potts Law, your Indiana automobile accident firm, at (317) 951-0087, and schedule a FREE consultation. You can also fill out the online contact form and we will reach out to you directly.