Legal Question in Personal Injury in Tennessee
Dog bite- able to settle with Ins. Co myself?
I had hired an attorney which did not work out and have been released from them. During the time, the ins. co. of the defendant had offered a settlement offer.
The case was put on standstill d/t not being able to find defendant to go to court.
Defendant now found.
I need to know if, since at this time, I have no attorney, can I contact the State farm insurance company myself and agree to the prior settlement on my own, even though they had once offered it to my previous attorney, whom I no longer have and have been released out of my contract with.
Thank you for your precious time.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Dog bite- able to settle with Ins. Co myself?
Yes, parties are free to form contracts at any time. Settling out of court is a form of new contract between the parties. There is no harm in contacting State Farm and seeing if the company is interested in settling with you.
However, be aware that the original settlement offer was probably for a limited time period. State Farm is not obligated to offer you the same settlement terms. The fact that you are representing yourself may lead State Farm to think they would have an easier time in court, and thus the settlement offer may be lower than the original amount. But hopefully, State Farm will be fair with you.
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