We have heard some crazy stories about insurance companies meeting accident victims in Wal-Mart parking lots to give them $1,000 in return for the victim signing a Release.  A Release is a contract/waiver of the individual’s right to pursue additional damages no matter what happens in the future.  While I have not read these back-alley Releases,  I would presume that they also say that the Defendant Driver is not liable.

This is a problem for many reasons.  First, your case could be worth much more than $1,000.  If the insurance company is hunting you down to make a quick deal, that means that they know you have a claim. The minimum Bodily Injury liability insurance is $10,000 per person per occurrence in Florida.  

While no attorney cannot guarantee any particular outcome, we can tell you that there is a reason insurance companies are making these deals within hours of the crash.  Insurance companies are business, and $1,000 is only 10% (or less) of the possible settlement, meaning a 90% (or more) profit for insurance. company The numbers don’t make sense for you.

The other major problem is that your pain and suffering may not manifest for several days, weeks, even months.  Trauma does strange things to the body.  Some people feel pain immediately, but bodies that suffer trauma start degenerating rapidly.  That degeneration may cause pain (or more pain) later.    If you are young, this pain could last for decades.  How far will $1,000 get you at the doctor’s office?  If you’re older, you may lose your ability to take care of yourself. How far will $1,000 get you with assistance?  Insurance companies have billions of dollars that are available to people just like you.  Unfortunately, you’re not going to see the best compensation unless you get an attorney involved.

For those of you who feel like you can get a good deal without paying an attorney, here is the quick math to show that hiring an attorney is generally a better deal. Let’s say you have an attorney who charges the standard 33.33% contingency fee pre-litigation.  Your take away compensation from a $10,000 settlement is $6,666.66, which may be applied to outstanding medical bills if applicable, or it is compensation in your pocket.  

If an insurance company is banging down your door to settle, ask yourself why? If you’re unsure, call us. We can tell you if you should take the offer or consider other options. It is free to find out.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call Plata Schott Law today at 904-619-5244 or email us at contact@plataschott.com.  No car? In the hospital? No problem. We will work with you to make a consultation convenient for you.