I was in a car accident about 2 months ago. I was rear-ended and pushed into the car in front of me. The guy who rear-ended me was found at fault and ticketed. My car was totalled. I went to the ER to get checked out. They had me follow-up w/ my regular doc a few days later. And now I am in physical therapy 2 times a week. His insurance company has paid me for me car. We haven't settled the medical claim yet. Is there anyway to figure out how much you should settle for, other than saying "hire an attorney"? As of right now I don't have plans to hire an attorney. And the extent of my injuries has not yet been determined since I am still getting treatment. So I am just looking for some basic info. Anything would help...even a range. Thanks!
2006-08-01 08:22:50 · 11 answers · asked by wocketinmypocket 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
For the most part it is about 3x the medical bill for pain and suffering. Some insurance companies will put in a future medical clause so that if you have to go back, then it will be covered. I wouldn't hire an attorney unless you think you will have major problems in the future. Six months ago I was hit by a car on the side of the road and broke my leg in six places. The guy that hit me only had liability up to $100,000. I got the full hundred without help, but if he had better insurance I would have gotten a lawyer. Unless they are giving you a hard time, I would suggest that you threaten them with a lawyer if they don't give you what you are entitled to when discussing your settlement. 3x is the norm I think. Hope this helps.
2006-08-01 08:39:21 · answer #1 · answered by haterade 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
same thing happened to me, but i didnt hit the car in front of me. I was rear ended by a semi truck. Totalled the car. Car insurance paid for the car and most of medical bills, however, I still sued the trucking company. I was in physical therapy for about 8 months before I settled. Having a lawyer is better, most will not make you pay until it is settled and then they take a cut of the amount. It really depends on your injuries and whether or not the state you live in will make you pay back the money that was already paid out by the insurance company (Ohio did-cant think of what it is called at the moment) but anyway, you can contact me if you need more info. If you were hurt badly, DO NOT SETTLE.
2006-08-01 15:32:29 · answer #2 · answered by Brandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you don't want to hear this but an attorney is the way to go. If that is a definite out then I would recommend your wording be that keeps the end date of medical treatment open. You have no idea how long you are going to be treating this injury now or in the future. Talk to your doctor and see what they say in regards to their prognosis. Once you settle you can't go back, so just be sure you are covered, and that is why I recommend the attorney.
Be warned: Insurance companies are out to NOT pay you or limit it to their benefit.
2006-08-01 15:32:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never settle because this could last with you the rest of your life. Injuries are not always apparent from the beginning so do some heavy thinking before deciding on a dollar amount. The insurance company is looking to save as much money as possible...What if you were not able to work and support a family because of injuries sustained in the accident? How much in lost income over the span of your remaining work years
2006-08-01 15:30:57 · answer #4 · answered by daanzig 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best person to ask is the Doctors who are treating you what they think the long term implicates of the accident might be.
You don't have to settle yet but if there are going to be long term problems then you may just ask that they provide you with insurance for ever. If you don't then getting insurance may be hard to do if this is going to be an on going thing.
2006-08-01 15:30:29 · answer #5 · answered by nana4dakids 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least see a reputable attorney (not an "ambulance chaser" but someone with a good track record in injury cases) because your injury may stay with you the rest of your life, even if it doesn't seem bad now.
2006-08-01 15:33:18 · answer #6 · answered by senior citizen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
add up all of your doctors bill's (now and future bills),time off of work, time off your feet that you could have been doing anything at all, how bad you feel from day to day and any long term pain that might occur in the future. I really think you should at the very lest talk to an attorney for advice.
2006-08-01 15:39:07 · answer #7 · answered by Toria T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
total up your medical bills so far and see how much longer you will need pt. let's say you have to go for 6 more months. total up the cost of attending for those 6 months plus what you have already attended. this should get you in the neighborhood. make sure you get a docotor's note saying how long you need to be in pt and when you started. this will help with your claim.
2006-08-01 15:28:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you could gust ask for $3,000. Or gust say it is ok it was a acittend. and if you do that maby gust give some money saying thank you.
2006-08-01 15:33:47 · answer #9 · answered by Emy~lou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get legal representation!!!
there is no "range" of $$$ to figure out here. every case is different. if you forgoe legal representation in this situation, you are foolish.
2006-08-01 15:30:16 · answer #10 · answered by le_longgunr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋