Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | August 2, 2021 | Personal Injury
A release of claims form is a document that absolves the defendant or their insurance company from all legal responsibilities associated with the accident. They are also known as “liability waivers” and are part of the majority of settlement agreements. A release of claims form, once signed, releases the opposing parties from liability, meaning you cannot pursue additional compensation after the settlement is accepted. Call our North Carolina injury lawyers at 1-800-525-7111 if you have questions. We believe that Justice Counts.
Giving Up the Right to Sue Later On
If you are uncertain about the terms of the release or need additional guidance, it’s wise to consult with a knowledgeable North Carolina personal injury lawyer who can put everything in layman’s terms. A release of claims acknowledges that a settlement has been agreed upon by both parties and officially terminates your injury case.
Suppose you have yet to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) and are still under the care of health care professionals. In that case, you should think twice before signing this document without the benefit of legal counsel.
Here at Riddle & Riddle, we go the extra mile to help clients understand “legalese” and avoid pitfalls common to personal injury litigation. By reviewing the release of claims, we can ensure that all accident-related damages have been properly accounted for and that you are not being short-changed by insurance companies. Call 1-800-525-7111 to set up a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Remember, there are no attorney fees unless you receive compensation.
Details Included in a Release of Claims
Although insurance release of claims forms may differ depending on jurisdiction and the nature of the action, they typically contain the following information:
- A summary of the legal dispute
- Names and addresses of the plaintiffs and defendants
- The specifics of your claim, such as property damage, bodily injury, etc.
- Explanation of the payment amount and what the plaintiff is getting in exchange for indemnifying the defendant
- Governing law of the agreement
Get an Experienced Lawyer’s Guidance Before Signing a Release of Claims
Claimants are required to sign the release of all claims before cashing their settlement checks. If the settlement offer does not reflect the total amount of damages sustained, your lawyer will bring any discrepancies to the table and negotiate with insurers for a fair payout.
Keep in mind that the initial settlement offer made by insurance companies is usually far lower than what they will probably pay — especially if you are represented by an experienced personal injury lawyer. They are hoping to settle claims quickly and with the least financial exposure and are betting on your compliance and desire for fast cash.
Never accept the insurance company’s initial offer without first consulting with an attorney.
With a veteran lawyer advocating on your behalf, you stand a much better chance of getting the compensation you truly deserve, because Justice Counts.
After the Settlement is Negotiated
What happens after your settlement is agreed upon? Once the terms are finalized and approved by you and your attorney, you will sign the release of claims form. The insurance company then issues a check. Your attorney will disburse the funds to you and themselves to cover contingent legal fees.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042