If I came to a settlement with an insurance company after an accident, when is it too late to change my mind?

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If I came to a settlement with an insurance company after an accident, when is it too late to change my mind?

After a car accident injury my car insurance and I verbally agreed to a settlement. They sent me a check with the agreed amount but after thinking about the type of injury I had, do I have to accept what we had agreed to or can I attempt to claim more? I have not signed or cashed in the check.

Asked on September 12, 2012 under Personal Injury, California

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

In order to receive a settlement check, the usual procedure of the insurance company is for you to sign a release.  The release means you have given up your claim against the at-fault party.  If you have signed the release, it is too late to ask for more money.  If the insurance company you are dealing with sent you the check without you signing a release of your claim, it may not be too late to reject the settlement since you haven't deposited the check. 


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