If you suffer a personal injury in a car accident or other event that is someone else's fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Immediately following the accident is not the time to accept a personal injury settlement. This is especially true if you are still treating for your injuries, or if the full nature and extent of your injuries is not yet known. Typically a personal injury settlement will be a one-time payment, and the insurance company or the party who caused your injuries will demand that you sign a release in exchange for the payment.