Can a Closed Car Accident Claim Be Reopened?

A closed car accident claim can be reopened in rare circumstances. These include situations where an auto accident victim experiences delayed symptoms or undervalues their settlement. If you believe your claim should be reopened, consult with a Austin car accident lawyer to review your legal options. 
Zinda Law Group has over 100 years of combined legal experience on staff. Let our car accident attorney take a look at your case and help you figure out if your closed car accident claim is able to be reopened. Contact us today to get started.

Reasons Why a Closed Car Accident Claim Can Be Reopened

If you reach a settlement with an insurance company, your car accident claim is likely to remain in effect. However, there are times when you could have the opportunity to reopen a closed car accident claim. These include:

You Never Formally Accept an Agreement

You get a formal settlement offer, which you accept. Yet, you do not sign the agreement. Your signature verifies that you accept the agreement’s terms, and your claim stays open until you do so. 

There Are Mistakes in Your Agreement

An insurer includes incorrect information in your agreement about how much money you will receive. You sign the agreement and get a fraction of the compensation you initially expected. In this scenario, you can argue that there was a mistake in your agreement, which may give you the opportunity to reopen your claim. 

The Other Party Violates the Terms of Your Agreement

An insurance company does not provide you with the compensation you accepted in your agreement in accordance with the pact’s terms. This is a violation of the agreement. As such, you can say the agreement was breached, which could lead to changes to this pact or a new one. 

New Evidence Is Available

If new evidence becomes available that relates to your auto accident, this could change the circumstances surrounding your settlement. For example, a medical evaluation now reveals you are dealing with a serious injury. You could use this proof to get the terms of your initial agreement changed. 

Zinda Law Group understands the reasons why a closed car accident claim may be reopened. We will explain what types of expenses you can be compensated for after a car accident and help you pursue maximum compensation from any liable parties. For more information, reach out to us. 

A Release of Liability Can Determine if Your Closed Car Accident Claim Can Be Reopened

If you approve a settlement, you sign a release of liability. This is an agreement in which you accept the terms of your settlement. It is important to read through this document carefully — if you do not, you risk agreeing to terms that fall short of what you actually want. 

Hiring a lawyer who has experience with car accident cases is a must. Your attorney can work with an insurance company to come to terms on your behalf. Next, your lawyer can review a release of liability with you and make sure you accept it only if the pact meets your requirements. 

Your attorney advocates for you and protects your legal rights throughout your litigation. They can discuss pain and suffering in a car accident case and other losses auto crash victims incur. Your lawyer can also put you in a great position to secure economic and non-economic damages as part of your auto accident claim. 

How to Find Out if Your Car Accident Claim Is Closed

Ask your insurance company to find out if your claim is closed. Typically, an insurer will say a claim is closed if you signed a release of liability and received compensation. Alternatively, an attorney may discover ways to reopen your closed car accident claim. 

One of the best things you can do before you accept a settlement is consult with an attorney. This gives you access to a legal representative who is focused on getting you the best case results. As your lawyer negotiates your settlement, they will share their viewpoint with you, and you can make informed decisions as you move through the legal process. 

Also, your attorney may help you reopen a closed car accident claim, even if an insurance company says this is not an option. Your lawyer commits time and resources to your case. They work diligently to help you secure the damages you want and will do everything within their power to reopen your claim if your legal rights have been violated. 

How to Reopen a Car Accident Claim that Has Been Closed 

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motor vehicle crashes cost $481.2 billion nationally in a given year. Auto accidents are expensive, and unfortunately, victims sometimes accept settlements that are well short of what they actually deserve. If this happens to you, help is available — here are tips to help you reopen your claim.

Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer

Look at personal injury lawyer reviews and select an attorney who has an outstanding track record. As you evaluate lawyers, choose one who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. This attorney can assist you as you try to reopen your accident claim that has been closed.

Re-Read Your Agreement

Search for discrepancies or any issues in your agreement that could give you grounds for reopening your claim. Your lawyer can examine your agreement with you. They can provide insights into how the terms of your pact could be null and void, helping you reopen your claim. 

Gather Evidence

Collect proof to show that your claim should be revised. A body of evidence will help you prove that the compensation you first received is not enough to cover your losses. Your lawyer can help you gather proof and make it clear that you deserve additional compensation. 

Do not wait to try to reopen your claim, either. The sooner you look to have your claim reopened, the sooner you may be able to get the compensation you need to recover from your auto accident. You may also get the compensation you need to cover all of your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. 

Get Legal Help in Your Efforts to Reopen Your Closed Car Accident Claim

The legal team at Zinda Law Group is available to evaluate your auto crash case and work with you to reopen your closed claim. Let us examine your case and help you figure out what to do next. Contact us to schedule a free case consultation.