Once you finalize a settlement with an insurance company, you are barred from filing a lawsuit against the other signees. This often means that the settlement you agreed to is your only option to recover compensation after a car accident. It is worth noting that these agreements must be finalized before you are prohibited from pursuing your legal options against the other driver.
If you have initially accepted an insurance settlement or just negotiated some of the finer points of the agreement, you might still have the option to file a lawsuit. Let our skilled and experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Valiente Mott advise you of your options. We are a law firm dedicated to helping personal injury victims. We are compassionate yet aggressive when protecting our clients. Contact us for a free consultation so we can answer your questions and assess your case.
When are settlements final?
You only give up your right to file a lawsuit when your settlement with an insurance company is finalized. That means you still have the option to pursue legal action even if you have discussed it and agreed on the basic details, including the amount of money you will receive. However, it is not finalized until an agreement is made. Usually, this involves a formal, written settlement offer that waives your right to sue in exchange for a check.
Once you have been paid, your opportunity to pursue legal action is no longer possible. However, you could pursue legal action against other parties if they were also at fault for your injuries and were not a part of the settlement agreement.
A Las Vegas car accident attorney from our firm could advise whether you can pursue additional lawsuits after a settlement has been completed.
What to do before you settle your case
As noted above, because settlements are final, there are essential steps to take before signing on the dotted line. Consider it from every angle before you reach an agreement with the at-fault party. Some of the steps you should take include the following:
- Seek medical care
- Follow your doctor’s orders
- Compile your other expenses
- Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company
Finally, speaking with an experienced and dedicated lawyer is always wise to ensure you receive a fair and reasonable amount to cover current and future expenses.
Schedule a free consultation with our team at Valiente Mott
Agreeing to a settlement for your car accident injury claim is a big decision. Once you finalize it, you can never go back for additional compensation or sue the person you settled with. To ensure you get everything you deserve, contact the team at Valiente Mott today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.