2007-02-14 03:54:40 · 4 answers · asked by micah 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
If you're in a tort selection state, make sure you have the right to make an injury claim first. "Full tort/no threshold" allows you to make a claim in such a state for minor injuries; "limited tort/verbal threshold" means you cannot make a 'pain & suffering' claim unless your injuries are permanent, disfiguring and severe.
If you've figured out you CAN make a claim, and you're NOT at fault for the accident, call the at-fault person's insurance company. That's all there is to it.
There is no point at all in bringing in a lawyer, you'll just be making a payment on his next BMW and he'll get a hunk out of a relatively small amount. Soft-tissue injuries are just not worth alot of money - they usually resolve with time (thank goodness!) with no ongoing problems.
Call the carrier for the person at fault. Explain you had some minor injuries, confirm what your treatment has been, and tell them you'd like to work directly with them. They might transfer your file to a new adjuster if they weren't aware you were hurt.
They adjuster will have to wait until you finish treatment, will have you sign a release so they can get your medical records, and will make an offer from there. They'll also have to confirm via your dec sheet that you have the right to make such a claim. Just have the adjuster walk you through the process and ask them to clearly explain anything you don't understand.
Honestly, insurance companies do this alllll the time. It's relatively painless as long as everyone's open and honest and you understand these things do not happen overnight.
Now, if you get a total jerk of an adjuster of if someone's rude to you - it happens! - then consider asking for a supervisor and make sure you complain & ask for a new adjuster.
It'll be more money in your pocket to handle this yourself, just realize it's not the lottery and be patient with the process.
Good luck.
2007-02-14 04:40:21 · answer #1 · answered by ohso_quiet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youve made a great choice in realizing that you actually LOSE money in minor injury claims if you hire a lawyer.
Contact the at fault parties insurance company and let them know about your injury. If they accept liability they will gladly reimburse you for your medical expenses as well as probably give you an extra 1-2k for the inconvenience. Be sure to be reasonable- dont expect to the win the lottery. and be thankful you werent more hurt.
2007-02-14 04:51:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as though you're looking to get everything resolved with doing as little as possible. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way and the means available for you to do so would take WAY TOO LONG. It doesn't sound as though you're that patient.
The only option left would be to have the 2 parties work it out amongst themselves.. but both have to come to an agreement prior to anything being done.
If you go through your insurance (or theirs) you will never have to talk to lawyers though. They do it all behind the scenes. What's wrong with that? You didn't say anything about claims through insurance!
Good luck!
2007-02-14 05:11:08 · answer #3 · answered by rob1963man 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a Lawyer. insurance companies will take advantage of you if you don't.
2007-02-14 04:04:17 · answer #4 · answered by drackslair 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋