Before you accept an offer, read the release.

Read the deal, not just the number

What will our lawyers examine in the release?

We start with the names: who is signing, and who is being released? Then we look for the crash and claims covered, any reference to unknown or future injuries, and any promise to pay liens or reimburse an insurer. A broad release may name people or companies that did not write the check.

• Is this payment for an injury claim, Michigan No-Fault personal protection insurance (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) benefits, vehicle damage, or more than one of them?
• Does it release only the paying insured and insurer, or owners, employers, affiliates, agents, public entities, and other people too?
• Does it include future medical needs, lost income, unknown injuries, a spouse’s claim, or other rights not reflected in the payment?
• Does it address liens, Medicare or Medicaid, health-plan reimbursement, workers’ compensation, medical providers, or outstanding bills?
• Does a UM/UIM policy require notice, consent, exhaustion, or another step before resolving with the at-fault party?

Is it too early to know?

Is the offer arriving before you know your medical outlook?

It is hard to judge a settlement while treatment continues, a doctor is still considering surgery, work restrictions may last, or the insurance picture is incomplete. A final release may close claims for future losses as well as losses you already know about. Its exact wording matters, especially while the medical outlook is still uncertain.

Do not close the wrong claim

Could this settlement affect another claim?

PIP benefits follow different rules from an injury claim against the at-fault party. Your UM/UIM policy may require notice or consent. A work crash may also involve workers’ compensation. Health plans, Medicare, or Medicaid may seek repayment. A child’s claim or a death may require court involvement.

Not every issue applies to every person. The point is to identify the ones that do before signing a release broad enough to affect them.

The amount you would receive

What would be deducted from the settlement?

The offered amount and the amount available to you can differ. Ask for a written breakdown of any attorney fee, case costs, outstanding bills and valid repayment claims. Keep unresolved amounts marked as unknown rather than assuming the balance is yours to spend.

For example, Medicare explains that conditional-payment figures may change while a claim is pending. The basis and amount of any proposed deduction need to be checked. Our lawyers can help you understand those obligations before you decide.

What to bring

Documents our team may ask for after you contact us

You do not need to collect all of this before the first call. Start with the offer or release if you have it. If we can review the matter, our team will tell you what else is needed and how to send it safely.

• The offer itselfEvery page of the offer, proposed or signed release, settlement agreement, check, cover letter, email, and text message.
• Crash evidenceThe crash report, photographs, video, witness information, repair or total-loss material, and any available vehicle or commercial records.
• Medical recordsMedical records, imaging reports, bills, restrictions, referrals, surgery recommendations, and the most recent treatment plan.
• Work and incomePay records, tax or self-employment documents, employer confirmation, and proof of assistance needed at home.
• Insurance policiesPolicy summary pages (often called declarations pages), coverage letters, and correspondence for liability, PIP, UM/UIM, commercial, employer, umbrella, and other potentially applicable policies.
• Liens and other proceedingsNotices concerning liens, reimbursement, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, workers’ compensation, disability, or another proceeding.

Already signed?

What if I already signed?

Do not assume the release can be canceled. Do not assume it ended every possible claim either. Save the version you signed, proof of payment and related messages. Write down what you remember the adjuster saying before you signed. A lawyer needs the wording and surrounding facts to explain what may still be open. If we accept your case, we can investigate the remaining issues and handle negotiations with you.