A couple of times a month we will get a new client in that will have had an offer already. Occasionally, the offers make sense and all we do is review it and advise the client that it’s about what they would get if they were represented. We’ll advise them about there are other issues or coverages that have to be dealt with, but overall it’s fair. But, many times we see insurance company offers that are tantamount to fraud.
Recently, my partner met with a person who didn’t speak English. He was weeks away from his accident and was obviously in extreme pain. The company for the at-fault party was offering him a few hundred dollars; basically pennies for his case. But, they were telling him that the paper he was to sign was nothing important. In reality, it was a TOTAL release of all of his claims.
Now, since he was so close to his accident it’s possible that he may not have met a threshold. Many people get better, but that would only mean he was one of the very fortunate people who don’t receive anything for their case, but he’s all better. Alternatively, if he does have a permanent injury and a serious loss, this grab by the company to swindle him is out and out fraud.
If you are in an accident it’s free to sit down with an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you as to what rights you have. If you have a friend in this situation it’s better to tell them to see someone that understands the complexity’s of personal injury.
