Insurance Claim Settlement

What is an insurance claim settlement?

A claim settlement is an agreement between two or more parties to settle a legal claim with payment and other terms. One of the most common forms of claim settlement involves an insurance claim, often following a motor vehicle accident. When people make claims against an insurance policy, the company reviews the claim, determines if it is covered under the terms of the policy, and offers a settlement to pay the claim. In some cases the settlement offer is accepted.  In some cases, people may dispute the circumstances or amount of the claim, and the case may end up in court.

When a claim is settled, it usually cannot be reopened

It is important to know that settling a claim usually eliminates the right to make any future claims about the legal matter. If people are not satisfied with the terms of a settlement, they should renegotiate. Once a settlement is reached, the claim cannot be reopened at a later date.

Claim settlements can be resolved in trial as well

Legal cases where people are filing for civil damages are resolved with claim settlements as well. Sometimes the person being sued, called the defendant, may offer to settle before the case goes to court, a situation commonly seen when the defendant believes that going to court could result in a costly award or could create negative publicity. In other instances, a settlement is reached during court proceedings, with a judge or jury awarding damages to the plaintiff and the defendant being ordered to pay them.

Terms of a claim settlement affect both plaintiff and defendant

The terms of a claim settlement require both parties to abide by certain terms. The party paying out is required to pay out in full within a specific time frame. The party receiving a payment may be required to maintain confidentiality regarding the matter.

People who are unfamiliar with the legal system should be aware that a claim settlement can be used abusively. Before signing documents related to a settlement, the documents should be carefully reviewed by an injury lawyer.

 

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Everett-Bellingham WA

Damages for car accident victims goes beyond what you can see(link is external)

Sometimes the accidents and injuries are minor, but often, someone is seriously hurt or killed in a crash. It is a terrifying experience to go through, and afterwards, many crucial decisions need to be made to ensure the physical and financial recovery of the victims. Click here to learn more about what kinds of damages are recoverable losses after being hurt in a car accident(link is external).

Everett-Bellingham WA

Key things to consider when finding legal help for your insurance claim settlement(link is external)

Insurance law is a complex system, full of loopholes and obscure rules that can derail any consumer who files a car insurance claim. If you're fed up with the process and are ready to fight fire with fire, you're probably considering whether or not to hire a lawyer. From one personal injury attorney in Bellingham, WA, here are some things to look for in finding the best person to help you on your car accident case(link is external).

Everett-Bellingham WA

Before you settle your insurance claim, make sure you're not derailing your chances by not breaking this rule(link is external)

It's called the Hamilton Rule, and if you don't factor it into your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection policy negotiations, you might put at risk getting any money from your claim. Click to read more by personal injury lawyer Bill Coats in Bellingham, Washington, and watch a video on the Hamilton Rule(link is external).

Everett-Bellingham WA

One easily overlooked way an accident victim's life is changed (link is external)

Imagine you're the victim of a car accident. You're on the phone with the adjuster from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Are you going to be able to think of all the ways this accident has and will continue to affect your life? Click here for a video on an easy-to-overlook aspect of how an injured person's life can be affected from a car accident(link is external).