I was in an accident while in a cab a year and a half ago. I was riding in the front (the back was filled) and the cab driver rear ended someone. I took an ambulance to the hospital and ended up having 2 surgeries later in the year due to it. My medical bills are appx $55,000. I do have a lawyer - but my question is...how much should I ask for? Is there a general "calculator" that would officiate a quote? Is it 4 times as much? 3?
2007-04-13 10:42:19 · 15 answers · asked by isabelle w 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
bills, plus lost wages plus legal fees plus pain & suffering.
Leave it up to the judge or your lawyer.
Or, shoot high, because you rarely get what you ask for.
2007-04-13 10:46:28 · answer #1 · answered by Jim Justice 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I can understand that question and I was in an accident and had to do rehabilitative therapy for a year after. I have back , neck, and jaw problems still. When you think of how much you want to sue for the best thing is to have all medical bills paid directly from the insurance to the doctor or hospital. Then think of all the problems that you have now that you didn't have before and evaluate the impact and importance that it plays in your life. Be sure to include job restrictions and hobbies that you may not be able to do now. Also if you have children think of how it has been caring for them and have they had to help care for you . All of these things are things you should be compensated for. Write it all down, get supporting docs from your doc that shows any restrictions you now have and how long it is expected to last, ie. months, years, life. Then you place a value on your list and whatever it is go higher because they will low ball your lawyer as easily as you. Hold your ground and have a minimum set in your own mind because no one else can tell you what your pain and suffering are worth. Good Luck and don't let your lawyer push you into a settlement because he wants a quick close.
2007-04-13 10:54:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look up the word 'indemnify'.
What it means is to make you whole again. In order for you to be whole again, you need to be in the same condition - both physically and mentally - as you were before the wreck.
Some people are whole again with not owing any money for medical bills. Others require a great deal more money to get over the whole sordid affair.
I'd recommend speaking to your lawyer about what he thinks is a fair settlement.
(Just as a side note, I'm one of those who would need a lot of money to make me feel better. If a cab driver wrecked with me aboard and he was at fault, my medical bills would be a small part of the settlement.)
2007-04-13 10:49:07 · answer #3 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When making a insurance claims against the other party, you can claim up to 100% on medical bill, damaged to vehicle and properties (such as watch, clothes, and etc). Beside that, you will also claim for disability (such as Medical leave) and suffering. If there is permanent side effect due to the accident, the claim will be higher. Just leave it to the lawyer, he will know how to do the calculation.
2007-04-15 15:34:19 · answer #4 · answered by Tan D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you really need a lawyer.
By the way, my limited understanding is that a lawsuit is supposed to put things right, which means put you financially back to the place you were before the accident. It's not meant to make you 3 or 4 times richer than you would be if the accident never happened. I know you probably don't like that answer, but it's not my opinion... I learned it in a law class.
2007-04-13 10:46:24 · answer #5 · answered by a-mac 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can't just pick a number. It depends on how much time you lost from work, how much money was spent on medical care that was not reimbursed or paid for by the insurance company and how much your life has been affected by it. Just remember the attorney will get about 1/3 of everything. Ask your lawyer, the amount will probably depend on how much money he thinks your case will get him.
2007-04-13 10:51:55 · answer #6 · answered by Lola 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That depends how dishonest you are. You should be compensated for your losses, which are likely to be your medical bills and the cost of time off work - nothing else.
If you are happy to play ambulance chaser, sue for a million like everyone else does - and drive all our medical and insurance costs even higher.
Have a nice day.
2007-04-13 10:57:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
medical bills, lost wages and maybe future wages if it disabled you, reasonable amount for pain and suffering and legal expenses because there was no malicious intent nor negligent or wreckless driving and if there was you'd have to prove it...it was a accident so I don't see you becoming a millionaire. I'd say the most you might even be close to getting would be $100,000
2007-04-13 10:52:52 · answer #8 · answered by G=ME 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be fair- loss of wages, and what you need to pay your lawyer and all the medical bills,{including future bills relating to the accident injuries}.
2007-04-13 10:48:03 · answer #9 · answered by lynne f 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, what does your lawyer say?
Don't only ask what your bills come too, how many days did you miss from work? Also, pain and suffering.
2007-04-13 10:45:47 · answer #10 · answered by Proud mommy of 2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should ask to recoup your losses and ask for pain and sufferering. However, the cabbies insurance may only cover up to a certain amount, but your lawyer should know.
2007-04-13 10:46:02 · answer #11 · answered by evil_paul 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋