Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the value of your case and secure fair compensation.
If you’re wondering, “Can a car accident claim be reopened after settlement?“—the answer is no.
A closed car insurance claim is typically final and cannot be reopened after the injured party signs the settlement agreement, even if new injuries, medical expenses, and other costs arise. This means it is crucial to negotiate a fair personal injury settlement upfront. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the value of your case and secure fair compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900
Collision Insurance Claim Settlement Agreements Are Final
When a crash victim signs a settlement agreement with an insurance company, it is final. The claim cannot be reopened or renegotiated. Before paying compensation, the insurance company will require the claimant to sign a release of liability, protecting them from further liability. They won’t issue payment until this document is signed.
Insurance companies often take advantage of this tactic in the insurance claims process. Some send early settlement offers to car accident victims, hoping they’ll sign before realizing the full cost of their treatment.
Hire an Attorney to Protect Your Interests
Since you can’t seek more compensation after signing a settlement, never sign anything from the insurance company without first consulting a local car crash attorney.
Your car accident lawyer can:
- Learn all they can about your accident and injuries
- Discuss the strength of your case and your legal options
- Explain applicable state and local laws to you
- Help decide if a settlement offer is adequate
- Build a case to support your claim
- Calculate a fair settlement range for your case
- Negotiate for maximum payout with the insurance company
- Represent you to the insurance company or at trial if necessary
- Review your agreement to ensure it’s fair
Getting a Fair Settlement Affects Your Well-Being
Once you settle with the insurance company, you can’t reopen your case. This means you might not get enough to cover your bills. Make sure you fully understand your injuries and costs before accepting a payout. If the settlement isn’t fair, you could end up paying future expenses out of pocket.
For some, covering these expenses is impossible. You might miss essential treatment, go without necessary equipment, or sacrifice in other areas of your life. The cost of ongoing care puts many families’ financial stability at risk.
When Can I Know What My Case Is Worth?
Figuring out the value of your case takes time and a thorough review of your recovery plan. Most lawyers wait to give a settlement estimate until you’ve fully recovered or your doctor releases you. This ensures all your injuries are properly accounted for.
Reaching maximum medical recovery—when no further improvement is expected—is key to understanding your prognosis, future care needs, and costs. Without this, it’s hard to predict future expenses. Your recovery also affects damages like lost wages or pain and suffering, so having a full picture is essential before determining your case’s value.
What Is My Case Worth?
After an accident, an experienced lawyer can determine its value by looking at:
- Medical bills for treatment you’ve already received
- Future care costs, including doctor visits and surgeries
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages from missed work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity, if you can’t return to your job after an accident
What Are My Options for Compensation After a Traffic Collision in New York?
To register a vehicle in New York State, you need automobile liability insurance issued in the state. These policies cover injuries and property damage caused by the policyholder in an accident. New York also requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that covers the cost of your medical bills up to $50,000 per injured person.
Victims of car accidents with serious injuries can file a claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both to seek compensation for their losses. Attorneys develop strategies based on the case details, aiming for a settlement or trial award. While most cases settle out of court, trials may be needed to ensure justice for the victim.
No-Fault Insurance Coverage
In New York, PIP coverage lets drivers recover basic expenses after a crash, regardless of fault, including:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost earnings
- Additional reasonable and necessary costs related to your injury, like mileage for doctor visits
When damages from serious injuries exceed the limits of the personal injury protection coverage, injured victims can seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
How Can an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
Our auto collision lawyers will manage your case from start to finish, protecting your rights and fighting for fair compensation. With our representation, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal details.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you by:
- Investigating the case and gathering evidence
- Managing all communication with the insurance company
- Helping with no-fault claims for basic coverage when needed
- Determining the settlement range of the case
- Negotiating with the insurance adjuster or defense counsel
- Preparing and filing all necessary documents
- Representing your best interests at trial when necessary
Contact Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. Today
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, contact Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. Our experienced team is ready to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
A personal injury lawyer on our team will provide a free case review to discuss your legal options and explain how we can help you. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict for your case.
