When you’re involved in a serious car accident things get stressful very quickly. If there are serious injuries involved in the accident, the stress is only increased. One might think that immediately following a car wreck, the person who caused the wreck is under the most pressure. However, the Mississippi personal injury attorneys at Richard Schwartz and Associates know this isn’t necessarily true. Immediately following a serious car accident, insurance companies will push very hard to get the wrongfully injured person to settle.

Three major risks are involved in dealing directly with the insurance company for an early settlement.
The first risk is delayed pain. It can take up to 72 hours for some injuries to fully show themselves following an accident. Sometimes the effects of an injury can be further delayed for two or three months. This is especially true if one does not seek treatment immediately following a wreck. Immediate settlement waives all responsibility of the insurance company to pay for treatment of delayed symptoms, so settling within the first week can place all medical bills on the shoulders of the injured party.

The second risk is cost of vehicle repair. Rushing through an insurance claim also puts your vehicle at risk. If an insurance company offers a quick settlement for minor or aesthetic damages to your car, you run the risk of more severe and serious damage under the hood being overlooked. Once you settle a claim, all repairs will be up to you, and the insurance company will hold no responsibility.

The third risk is unpaid bills. The average emergency room visit costs $3,000 without x-rays. In the event of serious injury in a car wreck, the first emergency room visit can easily be over $10,000. Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation can multiply that number by two. Taking a quick and easy settlement might seem like a good idea until you get the bill.
Once you settle with an insurance company and sign their paperwork, you’ve permanently released them from liability. Following your signing, any problems you have which are related to the car wreck will be entirely your responsibility. Some insurance companies will rush you through the process in an attempt to get a cheaper settlement for themselves, and this can be detrimental to you in the long run.

The Mississippi personal injury lawyers of Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi understand that enduring a car wreck is difficult. Dealing with an insurance company shouldn’t hinder your ability to heal or add more stress into your life. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can remove the insurance company from your life and allow you to heal again. Call us today at 601-988-8888 or fill out the form to your right for a free and confidential consultation today.