time frame for claiming money for damages from car accident
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time frame for claiming money for damages from car accident
I hit my friend’s boyfriend’s car while she was driving, agreed to pay for the damage, and so she paid to have the car fixed. I’m ready to pay her, but my insurance agent said I should make him sign a release form so that he can’t come after me for more money after I pay. He won’t sign. Is it true that there’s a time frame after which he can’t try to get money from me, and if so, what is it? I’d like to pay her, but also need to be protected from him.
Asked on April 4, 2009 under Accident Law, Illinois
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
Your insurance company is giving you good advice.
When you agree to settle something the last thing you want is to pay the other side and then have it come back for more, and use the fact you paid some money as an admission of responsibility to establish if it can show more damages, it is entitled to more.
When settling you want a general release that is signed and notarized before paying. If the other party won't give that to you, I'd not pay anything.
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