What do you sign on the back of a insurance check so a not to give up your future rights?
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What do you sign on the back of a insurance check so a not to give up your future rights?
My son was hit was not his fault and there are witness. He has never been in accident. He did not know that he had to take all paperwork and everything out when they towed the car. Thank god he or the passenger were not hurt. So my insurance company is paying us and going after the other person. However, at the tow place someone went through our papers and things. i am worried about Identity theft. If something happens in the future, am I giving up my rights or is there something that I can write on the check to keep them?
Asked on November 30, 2011 under Accident Law, Washington
Answers:
L.P., Member, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Thank you for submitting your question regarding identity theft. While there are civil remedies to pursue someone for identity theft, there are also severe criminal implications if someone is found guilty of identity theft. First, while there is no guarantee that the tow yard did not go through your vehicle and find your paperwork with your personal information, know that people get their vehicles towed all the time without other criminal acts resulting from the vehicle being towed. The tow yard may not have opened your vehicle at all, they may have simply moved the vehicle, stored it on their lot, and are just seeking payment to release the vehicle. Their intention is usually to just get paid for the towing service and not for some other purpose.
However, if you would feel more comfortable, be sure to keep all of your paperwork from the tow yard, and you could even get the names of the individuals who towed your vehicle or were responsible for storing your vehicle. Then keep an eye out for your personal financial information. If you should notice anything suspicious, be sure to contact the police to begin an investigation.
You do not have to note anything on your check/ payment to the tow yard, because you are entitled to be protected from identity theft. You do not have to make an outward gesture to protect yourself, as it is already illegal for someone to use someone else’s identity for their own personal, and often financial, gain.
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