Collecting a personal injury settlement in Louisiana requires negotiations with an insurance company. The release of liability form is a document the insurance company will send if you reach a settlement agreement after negotiations between your Louisiana car accident lawyer, the defendant, and their insurance provider. This is the final step in an auto accident case before the insurance company issues a check covering your injuries, damages, and other losses.
Before signing the release, it’s crucial to consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can go through the terms and conditions of the form and advise you accordingly. If the settlement offered is less than you deserve, yet you sign a release of liability form, you waive your right to receive any more compensation. You wouldn’t be able to reopen your car accident case or request additional compensation.
This is why you should enlist the services of the legal team at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers to help you make an informed decision before signing the release of liability form.
What Is a Release of Liability Form?
A release of liability form or a liability waiver is a legal agreement between parties in which one party relinquishes or gives up the right to hold the other party(s) responsible for potential injuries or damages.
In the context of Louisiana motor vehicle accidents, the injured party (the plaintiff) and the at-fault party (the defendant) negotiate until they reach a fair settlement. This is typically done by the plaintiff’s lawyers and the defendant’s claims adjusters. Once both parties reach an agreement to resolve the legal dispute outside court for a particular sum, the insurance company will forward a release of liability waiver to the plaintiff.
A release of liability form outlines the terms of the waiver, stating that the injured party or claimant agrees to give up the right to pursue additional compensation for the same motor vehicle accident or injury in the future. This document releases the at-fault party from any further liability for the victim’s catastrophic injuries or damages.
Once an injured victim signs a release of liability waiver, the insurance company issues a settlement check, and the motor vehicle accident case is permanently closed. This means you can’t file an auto accident lawsuit to seek more damages since you’ve released the defendant from any liability.
Should I Sign a Liability Waiver Form?
It’s important to consult a car accident lawyer before signing a release of liability form. Find out from your lawyer whether it’s the right move since once you append your signature, you aren’t eligible for additional compensation. You can’t renegotiate the settlement or sue the defendant. An attorney can review the settlement terms and advise you if you deserve more before it’s too late.
Only in rare instances, such as significant misrepresentation or clerical errors, may a plaintiff be able to reopen an auto accident case.
Do You Need Representation in a Louisiana Car Accident Case?
If you are injured in an accident, the insurance company may try to settle quickly and offer you an auto accident liability waiver form to sign. Don’t! Contact an experienced car accident lawyer from Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers for a comprehensive case review. You can trust our lawyers to protect you and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Call (318) 221-1508 now for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Sources
- Release of Liability Forms. eForms. Accessed on August 14, 2023.
