Visitor Question

Can I reopen an injury claim if I haven’t cashed the settlement check?

Submitted By: Alex (Oakland, California)

In short, I was in a car accident and my car was totaled. I have settled and received and cashed the check for the loss of the car. Shortly after settling the vehicle damage claim, I settled with the insurance company for my injury and pain and suffering. I just received this check, but I have not cashed it yet.

Now I have started to feel discomfort in my back again. Can I reopen the this claim, or is it too late now that I have received a settlement check from the insurance company? Now that my injury is hurting again, I’m worried I’ll need further treatment. What can I do? Thank you.

Disclaimer: Our response is not formal legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is generic legal information based on the very limited information provided. Do not rely upon the information in our response, or anywhere else on this site, when deciding the proper course of a legal matter. Always get a personalized case review from a local attorney.

Answer

Dear Alex,

Unless you signed a Release sent to you by the insurance company, you do not have to accept the settlement and can reopen negotiations. In addition, be sure not to cash or deposit the settlement check.

While you have the right to refuse to settle for the amount offered by the insurance company, there is no guarantee the company will agree to negotiate further. For more information, review these final steps to getting your settlement.

Contact the insurance claims adjuster and tell the adjuster you are still suffering pain and discomfort from the accident.

Tell the adjuster you will agree to renegotiate the settlement once you have been cleared by your doctor and your treatment has concluded, or when your doctor says you have reached a level of maximum medical improvement. The insurance company claims adjuster may not be happy about reopening the claim.

Beware if the adjuster tells you the amount already offered was their final offer. If the adjuster uses those words, you should consider accepting the settlement amount and go ahead and deposit the check, or consider filing a lawsuit. Claims adjusters rarely use the words “final offer” unless they mean it.

If you decide to go ahead and renegotiate the settlement agreement, be sure to remain cognizant of the statue of limitations in California. In California the SOL is two (2) years from the date of injury.

This means if you don’t settle your claim or file a lawsuit within two (2) years from the date of the accident, you will lose your legal right to pursue the insurance company or the at-fault driver for compensation for your injuries.

Learn more here: Car Accident Back Injury Compensation

The above is general information. Laws change frequently, and across jurisdictions. You should get a personalized case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

Find a local attorney to give you a free case review here, or call 888-972-0892.

We wish you the best with your claim,

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