what should I expect for an auto claim for facial scaring and back and neck problem?

Question

I was i n an accident in my fiance's blazer that my sister was driving when we flipped 4-5 times. I was the only person injured and have permanent facial scaring and back and neck problems. I have had 3 catscans since and my insurance has stopped paying my bills and now want to close the claim Tuesday. What is a good offer to settle with?

my boyfriends insurance has not went up at all. I was also told that my back and neck conditions will get better but my doctor ,chiropractor and pt said it would be permanent, I have also developed siatica which is really a pain. My facial scaring is right above my right eye and down the middle of my hair line. The one above my eye has not went back into my forehead and will be forever puffy.

The accident happened may 17th and just so everyone knows, I am not in it to get rich or anything I just don't want to shoot high or settle low so I was just hoping someone had some experience with this...oh and I am not really willing to hire a lawyer and sue my fiance'.

Answer 1

The most serious injury is the scarring. Sciatica is not something you get from an accident, and a chiropractor cannot diagnose a permanency. With that out of the way, I have to tell you that it's hard to say. Your age, what you looked like before, and what we can actually see would help.

You might be offered about 15-20k, and that's a pretty good settlement. Without knowing where this happened and other details it's hard to say. Anyone who tells you they know exactly how much is just setting you up for disappointment.

Answer 2

There is a few things we need to know here... first of.. just to give you a heads up... since your sister was at fault in your fiances vehicle- your fiances insurance will be paying out your bodily injury... you do know that this payout will increase his car insurance rates right? Just being sure... b/c your basically getting money from him- i dont know how happy he is about that.

But that aside- Did your insurance stop paying bills because your done treating? or because you ran out of money on your policy?

Were 3 catscans your only treatment? How do you know your neck/back pain is permenant and what kind of facial scarring are we talking about?

All these are huge factors. More details are needed to answer correctly.

And just a heads up.. to all these people who will nodoubt tell you "get a lawyer!" Insurance companies give the EXACT SAME AMOUNT regardless of if you have a lawyer or not. They base settlements on injuries- not whether you have a lawyer. And a lawyer will take 1/3 of your settlement if thats the route you decide to take. Talk to the adjusters first and see if you can come to an agreement before you let someone have 1/3 of your money.

**edit** It wont go up probably until the injury is paid out- basically he now has an at fault loss on his policy with an injury that will potentially cost thousands of dollars. Trust me- im not saying this your fault or that you shouldnt pursue- im just saying to let you know.

First- you need to find out his policy limits- for bi- this will be a big factor. With facial scarring you could look at several thousand dollars potentially tens of thousands- the adjuster will know whats its worth and help you along the way (i promise- they arent the enemy!) If you dont feel its enough... calmly ask if they can go higher to settle it. No one will know the exact amount its worth- go talk to them- see what they say- go home and think about it if you dont feel comfortable- and take it from there. If after all this you are still uneasy- then its time to speak to a lawyer.

Answer 3

do not sign anything until you see a lawyer, you sound like you will be permanently partially disabled all your life and that is worth a bundle of money, most of the time you can only get what your fiance's insurance is worth and if you want more you will have to sue for more and that could get real ugly but you have injuries that are more than likely permanent and will have to live with it the rest of your life.