Planning to Sign a Release Form? Think About These 5 Factors

You can take all the safety measures to avoid accidents, but accidents can still happen due to someone else’s negligence.

10:34 23 February 2024

No one can avoid accidents, especially in huge cities like Las Vegas. You can take all the safety measures to avoid accidents, but accidents can still happen due to someone else’s negligence.

Negligence is the primary cause of accidents in Las Vegas. Negligence is the legal term for not exercising the standard level of care. For example, let’s say a driver is using their phone while driving. The driver’s negligence can lead to severe accidents.

Negligence can be punished with the help of Las Vegas personal injury attorneys. Remember, negligence should never go unpunished, as it is the best way to deter individuals from engaging in such behaviors.

How Negligence Can Be Punished

Personal injury law.

Filing a claim is the best way to punish negligence. Through a personal injury claim, the victim can hold the wrongdoer accountable for their actions. In addition, the wrongdoer will be held legally liable for the losses incurred by the victim. 

Initially, the insurance companies will make some unfair offers to lowball you. After back-and-forth negotiations with the insurance company, they will agree to a fair settlement.

After finalizing, the victim will be required to sign a release form. 

Release form and considerations one should make

A release form serves as written consent that the victim releases the at-fault party and their insurance company from liability. 

Once the victim signs the form, they cannot take any action in the future. So the victim must consider many things before signing the form.

Once the form is signed, it's a done deal.

The following are five considerations one should make before signing a release form:

Did you get your insurance company’s permission?

Yes, you must get your insurance company’s permission before signing a release form. 

If the at-fault party doesn’t have enough coverage, the victim’s insurance company must pay the difference. After paying the difference, the victim’s insurance company will go after the at-fault party.

They won’t be able to do this if you sign the release form. So you must get the insurance company’s permission.

Do you understand what you are signing?

It is important to understand what you are signing. Many victims don’t realize that they can’t take any action after signing the release form. 

Also, you may not understand certain terms in the agreement. It is better not to sign an agreement without fully understanding it. Ask your lawyer if you don’t understand certain terms.

Did an attorney review the form?

You must let your attorney review the form before signing it. As said, you may not understand certain terms in the agreement. An attorney can help you understand them. 

Insurance adjusters look out for their companies, but lawyers look out for you. They will explain the cons of the agreement. They will help you make better decisions.

Does the settlement cover all your losses?

The most important consideration one must make. You, as the victim, would have sustained many types of losses. The settlement should cover all these losses. It should cover both economic and non-economic losses.

As said, once you sign the deal, you can’t claim for more. Sit with your lawyer and carefully calculate your losses. Consider the future losses too.

Does anyone else share liability for the accident?

This is important. You need to be sure that no one else is responsible for the accident. If you find out later that someone else was responsible for the accident, you cannot take action.

You don’t want this to happen. So ask your lawyer to investigate the accident thoroughly. They will have contacts with private investigators who can help your case to a great extent. Make sure to find all the liable parties for the accident.

Final Thoughts

Signing a release form is very important and requires careful consideration. Never sign a release form without consulting your lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you in the right direction.