Can an attorney settle your case without informing you?

Definitely not if you are a plaintiff. While it should probably be questionable, insurance attorneys are able to settle their "client's" case without getting approval because none of their client's money is involved. An insurance company, however, would never settle with the plaintiff's attorney; they know a settlement must be with the plaintiff themselves. An attorney who settles without his plaintiff client's approval should be reported to the State Bar.