My 18 month old and I were rear ended on the interstate and went to ER immediately afterwards. The driver lied about her insurance so it took about a month to finally track down the correct insurance company. I went to a chiropractor for about 4 months then submitted my claim. The insurance company finally made me an offer of $1500 that I find to be unacceptable. My chiropractor bills totalled $4k and the ER was $2k. They justify the offer because I didn't start chiropractor until 6 weeks after the injury and the insurance company feels that it's too long of a time to link the two.
Anyone have any advise on how to get a reasonable settlement without hiring a lawyer?
2007-02-02 08:32:27 · 10 answers · asked by Alphonso 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Hire a lawyer. My question to you is, would you rather have the promise of the possbility of having $1.00 tomorrow or would you rather have 90 cents today in cash?
I personally would rather have the 90 cents in cash today. Hire an attorney. At least talk with one. Consultations are free. They'll tell you if you have a viable case or not.
2007-02-02 08:41:55 · answer #1 · answered by Peter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work for an insurance company. Let them know that if they don't pay the amount you requested, you will hire a lawyer, AND you will report them to the organizations that monitor the fair business practices of insurance companies (you know, after a hurricane, etc. insurance companies are sometimes accused of not standing behind their policies, and watch-dog groups keep them honest).
So, first step: find an advocacy group or watch-dog group that monitors the activities of insurance companies. This will make the insurance company get serious about your claim.
If that does not work, you should get a reputable lawyer and sue the other driver. The judge should penalize her for lying about the insurance.
The fact you waited six weeks should not prevent you from prevailing. It is common for someone to try and get well on their own. People have lived for YEARS with physical problems because they don't want to go to the time and expense of medical care. Some don't go, because they don't have faith in the doctors.
2007-02-02 08:43:14 · answer #2 · answered by pachl@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have represented individuals who have been involved in similar situations. I have also defended individuals who were sued after they rearened someone else.
The fact is, most soft tissue injuries resolve themselves within six to eight weeks, so it will be difficult to convince the insurance company that the chiro was related.
An attorney may be able to negotiate a better settlement. Also, attorneys can usually get doctors and hospitals to compromise their bills in order to facilitate a settlement.
I would bet that the insurance company will not negotiate further with you unless you retain an attorney. They know that you are nearly powerless and even if you file a lawsuit, they will hire a lawyer who knows all the rules and will take advantage of all of them in order to prevent you from proceeding with your case.
My best advice is that you should seek the advice of a lawyer in your area. Either that, or take what you can get.
Good luck!
2007-02-02 08:43:39 · answer #3 · answered by www.lvtrafficticketguy.com 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treating treatment with a chiro was your first mistake.
Most insurance companies require that a real doctor is initially consulted, and then you are refered to chiro treatment.
Any chiro will treat you forever; a doctor has to worry about his credibility and license, before he prescribes treatment.
Get a P.I. attorney. Most will give a free consultation.
However, if your bills are only $6,00.00, and you have no residual injuries, you may want to file the claim in Small Claims, and negotiate the billings of the ER and Chiro to reflect your recovery amount (if any).
Good Luck!
2007-02-02 10:23:41 · answer #4 · answered by MenifeeManiac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is a lawyer, and find one that will not charge unless he wins, and by the sound of this, since the insurance company is willing to settle with any amount, would show cause that they are negelient. Many lawyers might charge 33-35 % of the outcome, but I bet it will be a lot better than the $1500.00 good luck. Some insurance companies do settle without lawyers, its to their interest, not yours.
2007-02-02 08:39:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a personal injury attorney. They'll get you enough to a) cover their fee, b) cover your related bills and c) some pocket money for you, too.
Similar story happened to me a few years back as a passenger. The insurance offered me $500... my attorney sent me to a chiropractor and got enough to cover everything and still put about $1500 in my pocket.
2007-02-02 08:37:45 · answer #6 · answered by spacekadt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds to me like you need a lawyer. Most attorney's will have the first consultation with you for free. Find one and ask his opinion about the case. There may be case law in either your favor or in the insurance company's favor that he knows about that will influence the decision.
2007-02-02 08:39:32 · answer #7 · answered by plezurgui 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ofcourse, You should hire an Auto accident Lawyer. He will guide you throughout your case and help you.
2016-05-24 06:02:44 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer...you always get more money if you involve an attorney. I know you may not think so, but if you really feel you deserve more money, you better find an attorney.
2007-02-02 08:38:33 · answer #9 · answered by rockinout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insurance Co.'s are slimy,they will do anything to screw you out of what you should get.I've gotten screwed with a lawyer too.
2007-02-02 08:41:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋