Should You Sign a Release After a Car Accident?

Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer Before Signing a Release

A release of liability, commonly referred to as a “release,” is a document that an insurance company may ask you to sign to give up your rights to bring a claim in exchange for compensation. By signing a release of liability you are agreeing to release the other driver from all liability in exchange for compensation from the insurance company. If you sign a release, you will effectively end your personal injury case against the other driver by settling your claim for damages caused by the accident.

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to take advantage of unrepresented accident victims by making deliberately low settlement offers that fail to fully compensate them for their injuries following a collision. Although you may be anxious to get money for damages caused by an accident, you should always consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA before signing a release.

To speak with a car accident lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm call us at 1(888) 789-3161.

What is Your Auto Accident Injury Case Worth?

Following an auto accident, clients frequently want to know the value of their case. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is usually “It depends.”

To determine the value of your personal injury case, insurance companies will typically look at factors including:

• Who is at fault for the accident?  Were you partly at fault?
• Was the auto accident the cause of your injuries?
• What is the severity of your injury?
• What was the duration of your symptoms?
• Have you made a good recovery?
• Are your injuries temporary or permanent?
• Did you incur economic damages such as lost wages, lost earnings capacity or unpaid medical bills?
• Did you seek treatment in accordance with your doctor’s instructions?
• How did the injury affect your daily living activities ?
• Do you make a “good impression” i.e. will a jury like you and find you to be credible witness?
• Were you’re injuries caused by the accident?
• Did you have prior injuries or subsequent injuries that contributed to your suffering?
• Where did the accident occur? To the surprise of many people, the value of your case may change dramatically depending on what county the accident took place. This is because some counties are known for conservative jury verdicts while other

In addition, you will need to know what the other driver’s liability insurance limits which may limit the amount of compensation you can obtain.

Because of the many factors that are used to determine the value of your injuries, it is often impossible to make a value determination in the early stages of a claim. As more information becomes known, an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your case by comparing your claim with prior verdicts and settlements in your area. If your case does not settle, the value of your case will be determined at a civil trial by a jury. Also, in some cases, instead of going to trial, the parties may agree to do alternative dispute resolution such as binding arbitration.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Cost?

In most cases, hiring a lawyer to represent you after a vehicle accident won’t cost you anything up front. Almost universally, personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis (although you can request that your attorney work on an hourly billing basis). Under a contingency fee arrangement, a lawyer will collect a fee if he/she is successful in obtaining a settlement or award.  In addition, the lawyer or law firm will usually pay all up-front costs and fees associated with bringing your claim. These costs will be deducted from your recovery upon resolution of your claim.

You should always carefully read the contingency fee agreement prior to hiring a lawyer so that you understand the terms of their representation.

To speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm call 1(888) 789-3161.

Disclaimer: The Wieand Law Firm represents personal injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This website is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult with an experienced attorney if you have questions about a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death case.