Former clients call and ask for advice about what to do when they are involved in a minor auto accident.
They tell me that they have been in an accident but, other than being a little sore, they feel fine. They go on to say that the insurance company has offered to repair their car, pay for their emergency room visit and give them $500 for any “inconvenience”. What should they do?
This happens so frequently that it does not take me long to reply. I tell them the story about a similar call I received when I first started practicing law.
Many years ago, a young woman called for her husband who had recently been involved in a “minor” collision. She told me that since he had only been sore for a couple of days after the accident, he agreed to settle his claim for $1,500 (which back then was a great deal of money for a “no injury” claim).
Six or seven weeks later, his soreness became radiating pain which eventually required surgery costing many thousands of dollars. However, since he had given up his right to recover, he was not able to be compensated for any more than the original $1,500.00.
The lesson is, don’t be in a hurry to settle a “minor” collision accident, even with only “a little soreness”.
Injuries may take time to develop and mature. As a general rule, settling any claim in less than six months may not be a good idea.
Every injury is different and the decision to settle should not be made in haste.
Consulting with an attorney soon after the accident in order to get a professional opinion about the specific facts of your accident is sound advice, even coming from an attorney.
