What should I not sign after an accident in California?

What should I not sign after an accident in California?

Do not sign anything — from any party — before speaking with an attorney.

This guidance applies to every document that arrives after a car accident in California regardless of who sends it, how it is described, or how routine it appears. Here is what to watch for specifically.

Medical authorization forms from the opposing insurance company.

These forms are almost always worded to give the insurance company access to your complete medical history — not just the records related to your accident injuries. That means every prior diagnosis, every prior complaint, every prior treatment that predates the accident becomes available to them. They use that history to argue that your current injuries are pre-existing. Do not sign a blanket medical authorization from the opposing insurance company under any circumstances.

Settlement agreements and releases.

A settlement release is permanent. Once signed, it almost always eliminates your right to pursue any additional compensation for that accident — even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially understood, even if future medical treatment is needed, and even if the initial offer was far below what your case was actually worth. Insurance companies offer quick settlements precisely because they know the full picture has not yet emerged.

Anything described as a formality.

Insurance adjusters sometimes present documents as routine paperwork necessary to process your claim. Read everything before signing anything — and when in doubt, call us first.At Cohn & Swartzon LLP we review every authorization before it goes anywhere. From the moment we are retained, nothing you sign related to your case goes out without attorney review. Call us at 888-480-3883 before signing anything. Our team is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at legalhelp123.com. The consultation is always free.