Soon after an automobile accident occurs, you may be contacted by an insurance company regarding a quick settlement. Please be careful. The severity of your injuries may not be obvious at first, and the insurance company may be trying to get out easy. Key terms to look for when presented with documents by the insurance company are “receipt and release”, “full and final settlement”, “settlement agreement”. If these appear on documents presented by an insurance company, including checks, they may be settlement documents. Once documents containing these key terms are signed or negotiated (i.e., check has been cashed), you likely have executed a final and enforceable settlement. Once this occurs, unfortunately, it is difficult, and in most instances impossible, to undo the settlement. So, don’t rush to settle your case.
