I had a car accident in February (a lady hit my car from the back on the freeway ). I went to chiropractic for about 10 weeks (3 times a week for 5 weeks, and 2 times a week for the rest). It costed $8000 to fix my car. And yesterday I got a call from my lawyer that they got settlement statement from the insurance company, saying that final settlement is $7000. And the money is divided into three: doctor gets 2500, i get 2500, and 2000 for the lawyer. I was thinking if I should sign this final release form or not, because the money was less than what I expected. Is it possible that my lawyer could get more money from the insurance company? If so, can you give me some ideas about it? and how approximately it will take? Thx.
2006-07-22 12:21:24 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Dumba$$.
This is what happens when you get a lawyer. A lawyer NEVER, EVER loses money and 98% of ALL settlements are made without ever going to court and for usually for the same amount a reputable co would have offered you. I doubt your lawyer will recieve any more funds from the ins co as they usually will only settle in full. Your guy sent you to a chiro (his guy, I'm sure) for inflated treatments (NO ONE has to go to a chiropractor for that length of time for an injury -- get a clue) in order to fluff-up your claim. You don't have to sign the release but be warned -- the lawyer will get his fee. For him, this one is in the books and he does not give a rats-a$$ about you. If you don't pay him this will be one of the 2% that he WILL take to court. Good luck.
2006-07-22 16:06:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you accept this settlement right now,,and don't get any future damages,,you could be out a lot of money,,your lawyer could be working against you on this,,some lawyers receive bonuses from insurance companies,s if they can settle a case as soon as possible,,also this doesn't sound like it,s going to make up for all it has cost you,,and remember ,,it was you who was hit,,so take all this in to consideration,,before you even consider a settlement amount,,like i said,,there is the long term problem,s you may have from it to,,just make sure you cover all the ground,s before you settle.
2006-07-22 16:08:32 · answer #2 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure the $8000 is included in the settlement? I just had an accident 2 weeks ago, and hired an attorney. My car was totaled, and the attorney told me that the property damage settlement is different from the personal injury. Double check with your attorney before you sign anything.
I have interviewed 3 attorneys and all of them have told me that the property damage settlement is seperated from the injury settlement. Make sure to discuss your concern with your attorney before signing anything.
2006-07-23 19:17:00 · answer #3 · answered by KL 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually I recommend you follow your lawyers advice, but not in this case. You werent even offered enough to cover the damages on your car?
You should be able to collect the damages on your car (or at least the blue book value of your car, if it is less than the damages)
Your medical expenses
Your legal expenses
Time off work
Any further damages depend on what kind of injury you had, if the injuries caused any perminant damage, if you had any time off work, if you suffered any other losses (including pain, suffering, and disruption to your daily life, which your lawyer should be asking you details about)
Dont sign anything yet
2006-07-22 12:29:30 · answer #4 · answered by mand 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not sign this. You are getting ripped off. All your expenses , losses and such need to be paid for. That's what insurance companies are there for. They will try not to pay though. You have to be your own advocate, let the lawyer know that its not enough.
2006-07-22 13:26:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not accept, tell them your lawyer said it was worth more, if they ask who, tell them if they don't give you a reasonable settlement they will find out the hard way, you should get at least 50,000$
2006-07-22 12:27:36 · answer #6 · answered by sorrells316 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋