My boyfriend was recently in a car accident and at the time the accident he didnt have any injuries or pain but now hes starting to feel stiff in his neck and back and he has some pretty bad bruising and cuts on his hips where the seatbelt dug into his skin. He did tell the girls (the one who hit and admitted fault to the accident)insurance company about his injuries and they offered a pety $150 bucks to cover the expenses of future doctor visits and his pain in his neck, back, and shoulders. My question is can you try to get more money out of this girls insurance company or do you have to take this offer.
Thanks for ur help and sorry for the lengthy question
2007-07-13 15:50:47 · 6 answers · asked by msX 6 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
As much as I think they are blood sucking a**holes, get an attorney. The sooner you get one the better.
I was in a car accident where I sustained a shoulder injury. At the time of the accident, I knew my shoulder was sore where the seat belt was. I figured it would go away in a week. It got worse and worse until it was so bad, I couldn't benchpress anymore than 40 pounds because of my injury. In the end, I was under medical care for 4 years, required surgery (after which, I was in pain for about 2 years afterword), and 6 months of physical therapy.
I learned a couple things about the legal system during this lawsuit. I've also thrown a couple of tips in as well
1. Work with your (his) medical insurance company. Make your medical insurance pay out on this. I called my insurance company and I had to sign a statement saying that they insurance company had the right to collect their payments from any lawsuit awards that I might get (or if I don't sue, they can and will sue them on my behalf to get their money back). The number 1 weapon of auto insurance companies is to drive you broke. They will make you spend your own money, wait until you are broke, and offer just an OK settlement. Like I said, I worked with my health insurance and they fronted all the money for my medical bills. Because it wasn't my money on the line, when the auto insurance company offered me a BS deal, I just laughed and went on my way.
2. Get an attorney as soon as possible. The legal battle is a game, nothing more. It is a game where you (or your bf) probably only has a vague idea of what the rules are, so you are not going to win. If you hire an attorney early, they can work with you to try and maximize payout. Simple things, such as the timing between doctor's appointments can be detremental to a lawsuit. Be smart, get an attorney.
3. Be prepared for hell. I have never been through anything so stressful as a lawsuit. It sucks, plain and simple. Try not to take things personally. People will come out and tell lies about you (not sure why this happens, but after it happened to me, my attorney told me this is quite common). Personally, I think it is hardly worth it. After the medical companies get their share, the attorney gets theirs, etc... there isn't much left for the person who got hurt.
2007-07-13 16:21:14 · answer #1 · answered by Slider728 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That's one of the cheapest settlement offers I've ever heard of. No, he does NOT have to accept this pathetic offer. If your BF requires medical treatment for his injuries, he should get them and ask the insurance firm to cover them. If they refuse, it's time for an attorney to intervene.
2007-07-13 17:18:45 · answer #2 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called General Damages. It compensates the victim for the pain and suffering from the injury. You can collect money from that.
2007-07-13 16:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No do not take the offer. If anything call your insurance company and ask them for advice. They should be helpful, and give you advice on what to do next.
2007-07-13 15:54:41 · answer #4 · answered by supersonic 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to take their first offer. He should submit his medical bills and ask for that amount.
2007-07-13 15:55:00 · answer #5 · answered by Jeff the drummer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't accept any money until you speak to a personal injury attorney.
2007-07-13 15:55:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋