Can You Reopen a Settled Car Accident Case? 4 Exceptions to Know

After a car accident, accepting a settlement may seem like the final step in putting the incident behind you. But what happens if you discover new injuries, damages, or information after the case has already been closed? Can you reopen a settled car accident case? The short answer is: usually no, but there are a few important exceptions.

In most cases, once a settlement is signed and finalized, it includes a release of liability that prevents you from pursuing further claims. However, under specific legal circumstances, you may be able to reopen a car accident case. In this article, we'll cover what you need to know before taking the next step if you decide to reopen a settled car accident case.

Can a Closed Insurance Claim be Reopened?

As mentioned above, while most car accident settlements are final, there are limited but important exceptions that may allow you to reopen a settled case. Whether it's due to fraud or new evidence, knowing your rights can make a big difference. Below, we outline four exceptions that could apply in these instances.

1. Fraud or Misrepresentation

If your case was settled based on false information, the law may allow you to reopen a car accident claim. For example, if the other driver or their insurance company concealed evidence, lied about key facts, or committed fraud, you could have grounds to challenge the validity of the settlement. Courts take fraudulent behavior seriously, especially if it led you to agree to a settlement under false pretenses.

2. Coercion, Duress, or Lack of Understanding

A settlement must be entered into voluntarily and with complete understanding of the terms. If you were pressured, manipulated, or did not comprehend what you were signing—perhaps due to stress, language barriers, or lack of legal counsel—you may be able to argue that the agreement is invalid. Courts look at whether there was informed consent, and if not, it may be possible to reopen a settled car accident case.

3. New Evidence or Previously Unknown Injuries

Sometimes injuries take time to manifest. If you've suffered a serious medical complication that wasn't known at the time of settlement—and you can prove it was directly related to the accident—it may be worth exploring your legal options. While these cases are rare, particularly if a release of liability was signed, new medical evidence could potentially support an attempt to reopen a car accident claim.

4. Claims Against a Different Party or Insurance Policy

While your claim against one party might be closed, you may still be able to pursue action against another responsible party. Furthermore, if additional insurance coverage was discovered after settlement, you may be able to reopen your case.

Don't assume your case is over until a qualified personal injury attorney has reviewed the facts. You may have more rights than you think, especially in cases involving long-term injuries, multiple parties, or unclear liability. Legal professionals are trained to spot issues and opportunities that the average person might overlook.

Can I Afford a Car Accident Attorney in North Hollywood or Northridge?

Worried about the cost of hiring an attorney? Don’t be. Most injury attorneys in North Hollywood work on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront costs are required. Instead, a percentage of your settlement will be deducted for your attorney's fees once your case has been settled or won.

Remember, dealing with insurance companies can be an uphill battle, but you don't have to face it alone. Injury attorneys are willing to fight for their clients because they're familiar with how insurance companies operate. With the right legal support, you’re not just another claim number—you’re a person with rights worth defending.

If you need legal advice regarding a case, contact Yepremyan Law Firm for a free consultation. A legal professional at our personal injury law firm in North Hollywood can help you explore your options so you can move forward with confidence and ease. You can also request to speak with a personal injury attorney in Northridge who can provide the guidance and support you need. We're available 24/7, so call us today and let us know how we can help.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.