What is a release and what am I giving up by signing it?
A release is a contract ending your claim in exchange for payment. It's final.
What people underestimate. A general release typically covers all claims arising from the incident, known and unknown, present and future. If you need surgery a year later, the release covers it. If a symptom turns out to be a herniated disc rather than a strain, the release covers that too.
Read what it actually says. Releases sometimes extend beyond the settling party to others who might otherwise be liable — an employer, a vehicle owner, another driver. Signing can inadvertently release parties you didn't intend to.
They can also contain confidentiality provisions, indemnity provisions making you responsible for liens, and language affecting other claims.
Before signing: confirm treatment is complete or that future costs are accounted for, confirm all liens are identified and resolved, and confirm you understand who is being released.
Do not sign anything at the scene or in the first days. Nothing legitimate requires that speed.
Read who else it releases. That clause surprises people. ---
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