The “Sign Here” Pressure After an Injury
For a billion-dollar insurance carrier, you aren’t a person with a broken leg and a totaled car. You are a “liability” that needs to be “closed” as cheaply and quickly as possible. If an adjuster calls you within 48 hours of your accident offering a “convenient” check in exchange for a quick signature, they aren’t being helpful. They’re being predatory.
The problem is that “fast” is rarely “fair.” If you sign a release before you’ve even seen a specialist or finished your initial rounds of physical therapy, you are gambling with your financial future.
At Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers, we see the fallout of these “Sign Here” traps every day. When you settle early, you aren’t just getting cash; you’re permanently waiving your right to ever ask for another dime, even if you need surgery six months from now.
The “Voidable” Shield: Nevada’s Secret Protection
Many people assume that once they sign a release and take the check, the door is locked forever. However, Nevada law provides a narrow but powerful safety valve that most insurance companies hope you never find out about.
Under NRS 10.185, a release of liability for a personal injury is actually voidable by the injured person within 60 days of signing if two conditions are met:
- The release was signed within 30 days of the event that caused the injury.
- The injured person signed the release without the assistance or guidance of an attorney.
This law exists because the state recognizes that the “Sign Here” pressure is often applied when victims are still in shock or under the influence of pain medication.
But don’t rely on this as a safety net. Voiding a release requires returning the money and following strict notice protocols within a tight window. The goal should be to never sign that lowball offer in the first place.
Why They Want You to Settle Before You Call a Lawyer
Insurance companies know the data: claimants who hire Las Vegas personal injury lawyers consistently recover significantly more than those who go it alone. The adjuster’s job is to prevent that from happening.
They use a variety of “standard” tactics to keep you away from legal counsel:
- The “limited time” lie: Claiming the offer is only available for 24 hours.
- The “legal fees” scare: Suggesting that a lawyer will “take all your money,” ignoring the fact that a higher settlement usually nets you more even after fees.
- The “premature MMI” trap: Pressuring you to settle before you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), the point where a doctor can actually tell you what your future medical costs will look like.
Under NRS 686A.310, Nevada’s Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, insurers are actually prohibited from advising you not to seek legal counsel. If an adjuster tells you that you don’t need a lawyer, they aren’t just giving bad advice. They may be violating the law.
Don’t Settle Just Now. Talk to Us First
At Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers, we deconstruct the insurance company’s tactics to ensure you aren’t bullied into a settlement that leaves you bankrupt.
If you’ve been injured and the insurance company is blowing up your phone with “settlement” offers, do not sign anything. Contact Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers today at 702-450-5000 for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-010.html
