Received an Injury Settlement Offer? Questions Before Signing
An offer is a starting point for questions. The dollar amount alone does not explain what a proposed agreement covers or what deductions may remain. Before deciding, collect the written offer and any proposed release so a qualified attorney can review the actual documents.
Six questions to take into a consultation
- What exactly would I be resolving? Ask which claims, people, companies, and policy coverages the paperwork addresses. Do not assume a property-damage payment and an injury settlement have the same terms.
- What is still uncertain? List unresolved treatment questions, unpaid bills, missed work, and documents you have not received. Ask how those gaps affect the discussion.
- What deductions should I understand? Attorney fees, litigation expenses, medical bills, liens, and reimbursement issues are separate topics. Ask which amounts are estimates and which have been confirmed.
- What does the release actually say? Flag language you do not understand, including confidentiality, payment conditions, and the scope of any release. Ask for an explanation before signing.
- What dates require action? Bring the accident date, all offer deadlines, claim correspondence, and any court notices. An insurer's offer date is not a substitute for checking legal deadlines.
- What are the choices and tradeoffs? Ask about the basis for the offer, available evidence, coverage questions, and possible next steps. No website can reliably tell you a fair case value from a short description.
Bring a small, organized packet
The written offer, release, fee agreement if you already have a lawyer, insurer letters, and a short timeline make a useful start. You do not need to upload private documents through the public contact form.
Build a private evidence timeline or use the 32% fee illustration to understand hypothetical arithmetic. Neither is a settlement recommendation.
If another lawyer represents you
Discuss the offer with your current attorney and ask for a clear explanation. If you are considering a change, ask about pending dates, file transfer, and existing fee or cost claims before acting. Read our questions about changing lawyers.
Official resources: California Department of Insurance accident guide and California Courts: hiring a lawyer.