The days after a car accident in Connecticut can be exhausting. Aside from the pain of your injuries, you face endless calls and paperwork related to the collision. Suddenly, you receive a call from an insurance adjuster about an initial offer. This can be tempting, as you think about the convenience of paying off your medical bills.
Before you accept and sign that check, you need to understand the high cost of deciding too fast.
Looking at your injuries long term
Insurance companies offer initial settlements early to protect their bottom line from car crash injuries. Signing a settlement release can lead to significant financial risks.
Under Connecticut law, executing a release of liability generally makes it legally difficult to seek further compensation. This means that if your injuries now turn out to be worse, all medical expenses moving forward are yours alone to pay.
Pursuing an injury claim
While the amount written on the check appears reasonable, it does not reflect the full scope of your losses. If another driver’s negligence caused the auto accident, you may have grounds to file a claim against them. This covers your losses, including economic and non-economic damages.
In Connecticut, personal injury lawsuits must generally be filed within two years of discovery. Shorter notice periods may apply if a government entity is involved. There is no reason to rush into a settlement within the first few weeks. You need time to see if your injuries linger or worsen.
What you should consider for a fair recovery
Before you sign anything that waives your rights, it is vital to ensure the offer actually reflects the long-term reality of your recovery. You may consider seeking help from a personal injury attorney to review the fine print. They can also provide insights into your available options.
