My car was a total loss. Now they made a $$ offer for my car. I am happy with offer BUT i have Medical Bills. I had major bruises to my left leg. No broken bones. Do I sign anything for car offer? If so what about medical bills?
2007-01-16 00:40:03 · 13 answers · asked by yourdestiny_1969 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
They will do practically anything, within reason, to stay out of court. Figure your total medical bills for the next two years, multiply by 2, add the car value, and tell them that's what it will take to stay out of court and avoid a lawsuit. You should be able to get $30,000 to $50,000 easily.
2007-01-16 00:47:31 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We had a similar thing happen, BUT when we realized everyone in the car was okay, even though they sent ambulances, we refused them. Bruising is no big deal but I guess you wanted to know if there was anything broken (for safety). SO we got an offer for coverage to fix the car,, which was more than the car was worth (it was an older car) so we just had some savings money. I would have a lawyer look it over- if you didn't have medical bills, OR you have a way to pay the medical bills AND are happy with the check- then I guess sign it! :)
2007-01-16 00:46:37 · answer #2 · answered by misteri 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in much the same situation when I was 18 years old and didn't know any better. The insurance company said I had to sign a release form that would release them of all further financial responsibility, including medical expenses, before they would pay for my car. I needed a car, so I signed even though I had bumps and bruises.
Well, three months later my leg pain had gotten worse, not better. My health insurance company and I ended up paying for physical therapy four different times over the course of the next eight years because I had released the other insurance company.
Just be careful. Sure they want to settle as soon as possible and you need your money too. You should have PIP coverage with your car insurance. Use that if you need to recover some of your cost before you are ready to release the other insurance company. But make sure you have been checked out from head to toe by a doctor you trust. Get something in writing from the doctor to give to the other insurance company if he/she doesn't think you are 100% healed of your injuries. And if you feel it is necessary, get a lawyer.
2007-01-16 01:05:55 · answer #3 · answered by T W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the car and the medical bills are two separate things, no matter what anyone tells you (i work for a lawyer).
you certainly can take the money for the car however, i would be very careful and read everything before you sign it, if you don't feel comfortable, get a lawyer. Most will do a contingency basis type lawsuit if they feel that they can definately win your case (this means you don't pay until you win).
Either way, I would definately get a lawyer for your injuries. But do it soon, I know its only been two weeks, but many states are different on how much time you have in order to sue the other party.
-- also, you can probably get 30 to 50k easily, but you have to watch out for that also, alot of insurance companies only have a liability stand of up to 10k, and thats nothing when you add up your medical bills!
2007-01-16 00:51:11 · answer #4 · answered by Athera78 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a lawyer, but have been in an accident like yours. Make sure if you accept the payment for the car only and that it does NOT include your medical expenses. The insurance company should pay all the medical bills. In my case the doctors and the hospital sent the bills to my insurance company and then they billed the other driver's insurance company.
2007-01-16 00:51:01 · answer #5 · answered by Aliz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can always hold out for more money. I would talk to your insurance company about your options here. I'm not sure of the extent of your injuries, but if you didn't even break a bone, they don't sound to serious. Maybe you could just ask for your car + your medical bills. If you turn down their offers, the next step is court and that could drag this thing out for years.
2007-01-16 00:45:52 · answer #6 · answered by leaptad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get a lawyer to look out for your best interests. The insurance company seems a bit too eager to settle and with a good lawyer you may be able to get more from a jury. On the other hand, nothing is guaranteed and you may totally lose out on everything. Get a lawyer on your side before you do anything.
2007-01-16 00:46:09 · answer #7 · answered by Thunderman9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't sign $hit. If they're willing to settle so soon, it's because they know you can get more. Consult a lawyer. Check out the yellowpages under "Ambulance chasers" lol. Accident and injury lawyers are a dime a dozen, i.e. lots in phone book.
2007-01-16 00:45:12 · answer #8 · answered by C J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest you take the time and effort to consult someone in the legal profession. Signing off now could result in no further claims later. WHAT IF something does pop up. Your medical bills should be included in the claim as a minimum.
2007-01-16 00:50:06 · answer #9 · answered by paul_eden@rogers.com 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Their Insurance company should be discussing everything with your Insurance Company. Don't settle until your doctor gives you a clean bill of health.
2007-01-16 00:46:49 · answer #10 · answered by Henry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋