If you’ve been injured in a car accident or another type of personal injury and you suddenly get a call, letter, or email from an insurance company offering you money to “settle” your claim — stop and read this before you sign anything.
You might be told,
“We just need your signature to close this out.”
or
“We can send you a check right away if you sign this release.”
It sounds easy — and when you’re facing medical bills or lost wages, it might even sound like relief.
But here’s the truth: signing that release could permanently give up your right to full compensation.
What Is a “Release” — and Why It Matters
A release is a legal document that says you agree to give up any future claims against the person, company, or insurer involved in your accident — usually in exchange for a single payment.
Once you sign it, it’s over.
You can’t go back later and ask for more money, even if:
- You discover new injuries,
- Your medical condition worsens,
- You need surgery months later, or
- You realize the settlement didn’t cover your expenses.
That’s why insurance companies push for quick settlements — not to help you, but to limit their financial exposurebefore you know the full value of your claim.
Why the Insurance Company Is Contacting You
Insurance adjusters are trained to resolve claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. Their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line — not your health or your future.
They may contact you:
- Soon after you file a claim or lawsuit,
- Before you’ve completed medical treatment, or
- Before you’ve spoken to an attorney.
They know you may be in pain, stressed, or facing financial pressure — and that’s exactly when you’re most vulnerable to signing away your rights.
The Risks of Signing a Release Too Early
Signing a release without legal advice can lead to serious consequences:
1. You Could Give Up Your Right to Future Medical Compensation
Many injuries — especially back, neck, or head injuries — develop or worsen over time. If you sign too soon, the insurer won’t pay for any later treatment.
2. You Might Be Settling for Far Less Than Your Claim Is Worth
Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements to close files cheaply. Once you sign, you can’t renegotiate, even if your actual damages are much higher.
3. You Could Jeopardize Your Legal Case
If you’ve already filed a lawsuit, signing a release might resolve your claim before your attorney can finish investigating or negotiating. That can harm your case and limit what your lawyer can do.
4. You May Waive Claims You Didn’t Realize You Had
Some releases are written broadly — waiving all claims, not just those for physical injuries. You could unknowingly give up claims for lost wages, pain and suffering, or property damage.
Why You Should Always Speak With a Lawyer First
Before you sign any document from an insurance company — even if it seems routine — talk to a personal injury attorney.
A lawyer can:
- Review the release to explain exactly what rights you’d be giving up,
- Determine whether the settlement offer is fair,
- Calculate the full value of your case, including future treatment and pain and suffering, and
- Handle all communication with the insurance company so you’re not pressured or misled.
Remember: once you sign, there’s no undoing it. An attorney’s advice now could protect you from losing tens of thousands of dollars later.
What to Do If You’ve Already Been Contacted
If an insurance representative has already reached out to you:
- Do not sign or agree to anything, even verbally.
- Do not cash any checks that say “settlement” or “final payment” on them.
- Save all correspondence and messages — your attorney will want to review them.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.
Most attorneys, including our firm, offer free consultations — so there’s no cost to get advice before you make a decision that could affect your financial future.
Remember: The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
It’s easy to believe that an adjuster who sounds polite and sympathetic is trying to help. They may even tell you that hiring a lawyer will just “take part of your money.”
That’s not true.
The reality is that injured people who hire experienced personal injury attorneys almost always recover far more than those who settle directly with insurance companies — even after attorney fees are deducted.
Your lawyer’s job is to protect your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure you’re treated fairly. The insurance company’s job is to pay as little as possible.
Bottom Line
If someone from an insurance company contacts you after an accident or lawsuit and offers money in exchange for your signature — don’t sign anything.
You could be signing away your right to fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and future medical needs.
Before you agree to any settlement or sign a release, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Once you sign, there’s no going back — but before you do, a lawyer can make sure you understand exactly what’s at stake.
Need Legal Help Before You Sign Anything?
If an insurance company is pressuring you to settle or sign a release, contact our office today for a free consultation.
We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and make sure you don’t give up what you’re entitled to — no matter how persistent the insurance company may be.
