Should I Sign This Insurance Settlement Release for my Personal Injury?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you might be wondering: Should I sign the insurance release statement for my personal injury? The short answer is: not without speaking to a Louisiana personal injury lawyer first. Signing the wrong form too soon can cost you thousands and close the door on future compensation.

What Is an Insurance Release Statement?

An insurance release is a legal document that, once signed, settles your claim and releases the at-fault party and their insurer from further responsibility. There are two common types:

• Medical Release Form: Gives the insurance company access to your medical records.
• Settlement Release Form: Finalizes your claim and prevents you from seeking more money later.

These forms can seem routine, but they carry serious consequences.

Why You Shouldn’t Sign a Medical Release Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters often ask you to sign a medical release early in the process. They may say it’s needed to process your claim, but the truth is more complicated. These forms often grant access to your entire medical history—not just records related to the accident. Once they have that information, insurers may:

• Blame your injuries on pre-existing conditions.
• Argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.
• Use unrelated health issues to reduce or deny your claim.

Your medical history is private. You have the right to limit what’s shared. A lawyer can help ensure only relevant records are provided.

What Happens When You Sign a Settlement Release?

Signing a settlement release means you accept the insurance company’s offer and give up your right to seek more money, even if your condition worsens later. This is risky if:

• You haven’t finished medical treatment.
• You don’t know the full cost of future care.
• You’re unsure how the injury will affect your ability to work.

Once you sign, the case is closed. You can’t go back and ask for more, even if new problems arise.

Key Things to Consider Before Signing Anything

Before you sign any insurance release, ask yourself:

• Have I reached maximum medical improvement? (This means your doctor believes you’ve healed as much as possible.)
• Does the settlement cover all current and future medical expenses?
• Are lost wages and reduced earning capacity included?
• Is there compensation for pain and suffering?
• Does the release include other parties, like employers or manufacturers?
• Are there confidentiality clauses that limit your rights?

If you’re unsure about any of these, consult a personal injury lawyer.

4 Questions to Ask Before Signing the Insurance Release

Before you sign any insurance release form, take a moment to ask yourself these key questions. Your answers can make a major difference in your financial recovery and future well-being.

1. Does the settlement cover all of your damages?
A fair settlement should account for all of your losses, not just immediate expenses. This includes ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, future lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the offer falls short, you could end up paying out of pocket later.

2. Will signing the release prevent you from making future claims?
In most cases, yes. Once you sign, you are giving up the right to seek additional compensation for this incident, even if new injuries or expenses come up. It’s your only opportunity to be made whole, so make sure the settlement amount reflects that.

3. How did the insurance company calculate the offer?
Ask for a detailed breakdown. Are they including all of your medical expenses? Did they fairly value your pain and suffering? Insurers often lowball these figures. Understanding how the offer was calculated can help you spot what may be missing or undervalued.

4. Have you talked to an attorney?
You don’t have to guess whether the offer is fair. A Louisiana car accident attorney can evaluate your case, determine the full value of your damages, and negotiate on your behalf if necessary. Once you sign a release, there’s no going back, so make sure you’re not settling for less than you deserve.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Insurance companies aim to settle quickly and for as little as possible. They may pressure you to sign forms before you understand the full impact of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

• Review all documents before you sign.
• Ensure only necessary medical records are shared.
• Negotiate a settlement that covers all your needs.
• Protect your rights and privacy.

If you’re asking, Should I sign the insurance release statement for my personal injury? the safest answer is not without legal advice.

Signing too soon can leave you undercompensated and unprotected. Before you sign anything, talk to a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Before you sign anything, give our LJBLegal team a call at 985-240-9773.