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Why You Should NEVER Sign a Release After an Indiana Accident

| Nov 7, 2018 | Car Accidents

Following a car crash in Indiana, make sure you write down the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance and license plate information of all the other motorists involved in the automobile accident, and provide your information to them.

In addition, write down the make and model of each vehicle. If there are witnesses to the accident, request contact information from them as well. When police arrive, write down their badge numbers and names. Since the car insurance carriers will perform an investigation to determine the at-fault driver, avoid arguing as to who is at fault.

Dealing with the Insurance Adjuster Following an Accident in Indiana

At some point, the adjuster from the other driver’s car insurance carrier will contact you. Chances are, the insurance adjuster will ask for permission to take a recorded statement from you regarding the car crash.

You are not obligated to provide them with this statement. In fact, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) recommends that you decline this request.

The CFA recommends declining this request because insurers usually transcribe these recorded statements. Sometimes, during transcription, the statements you make could become distorted; thus, allowing the insurance company to use your own words against you.

If this happens, the company may reduce the settlement amount they offer you for your car repairs and/or injury. That said, you should always cooperate within reason by explaining what happened during the car accident, what the damages to your vehicle are and the injuries you have suffered due to the car crash.

During the conversations with the insurance company, be careful not admit fault.

Insurance Authorization Forms and Releases

What is a Medical Release and Should I Sign It?

A medical release form (i.e., medical authorization form) is a document that the insurance company will ask you to sign relatively early on during the accident investigation process. This form allows the insurance company to access your medical records and medical bills.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, you are not obligated to sign this medical release form; however, if you do not sign it, you will have to gather all the medical records and medical bills that pertain to the Indiana car accident yourself.

While gathering these documents may be somewhat time-consuming, it does allow you to remove any information that does not directly relate to the vehicle collision.

Release of All Claims and Liability Form

The release of all claims and liability form is usually the last document you will sign before you receive a settlement check after a car accident. If you have an experienced Indianapolis automobile accident attorney representing you, he or she may be able to prepare this form for you; otherwise, you will be required to sign the form presented to you by the car insurance carrier.

Information on this release may include:

  • the names of all parties involved in and associated with the car accident;
  • a statement proclaiming that you sustained injuries in an accident and the date the accident occurred;
  • information related to medical bills and/or other debts that you suffered as a result of the accident that the insurance company is responsible to pay;
  • a statement verifying that you are releasing the insurance company and the defendants from any future liability and/or damages resulting from the accident.

It is essential that you are extremely careful when negotiating a settlement following a car accident. Once you sign a release of all claims and liability form, you will no longer be able to seek reimbursement for the injuries or damages you sustained during the vehicle collision.

It is imperative that you avoid signing a release form if you are still receiving medical treatment for your condition or if your condition remains unresolved.

Never agree to sign a release form because you feel pressured by the insurance adjuster. Ideally, before signing a release of all claims, you should seek assistance from an accident. Seeking legal advice is advantageous because the insurance company will most likely offer a settlement amount that is lower than you deserve for the injuries and damages you have suffered.

The Statute of Limitations in Indiana

In the state of Indiana, individuals have two years from the date of the car accident to file a civil suit. With a civil suit, we can help you seek the compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained during the car wreck.

At Doehrman Buba Ring, we offer complimentary initial consultations and our clients pay no fee unless we win.

If you sustained injuries in a vehicle accident, it is vital that you do not sign a release form until you speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer.

At Doehrman Buba Ring, we frequently represent individuals who have sustained injuries in vehicle accidents. Contact the office of Doehrman Buba Ring today at 317-669-9445 to schedule your car accident lawyer free consultation. If you prefer, you can contact us online by clicking here. Let us deal with the insurance company so you can focus on healing.