How much should i settle my accident claim for????????????????

Question

Last month i was in a car acccident. A guy ran a red light. There was no witnesses or anything. So it is as of just this week that my insurance called his and his said that they were taking full responibility. My car is totalled completely air bags came out and everything, I broke my collar bone, and have lost wages for three weeks. I am back to work now on a limited duty.
So I have at least probably 4000 dollars in medical. I haven't paid that though because i have health insurance, but some people say that they will be looking to be reinbursed??? I don't know about that though.
I have no car.....I paid 500 dollars for the towing and storage that came out of my pocket....
How much shoud i be looking for on a settlement.
I will get some pain and suffering because i am just now able to move my arm and still can't pick up hardly anything..

So any suggestions on which way i should run from this.
Im not looking to make off with a huge settlement, but i want what i am due.

Answer 1

I think if you are in a car accident and there is insurance coverage on the vehicle, that this is used to pay for the medical expenses. In your case, the other guy's insurance company should pay for your medical. Either way, you shouldn't have to worrry about this in the long run. Please don't assume that the insurance company is your friend. They want to spend as little money as possible to get rid of you. You should get the value to replace your car in the condition it was in, any unreimbursed medical expenses and something for pain and suffering. I would tell the insurance company, what I told them, when I was hit. I am not signing anything until I am completely better. This just happened to you a month ago and you really can't be sure what else could be wrong with you (hopefully nothing!). They will usually record all of the conversations with you. Be prepared for them to pressure you to sign something. That way it's over for them and you have settled. Once you feel better and are reasonably assured from a trusted medical professional, then go ahead and sign. By doing this, they get nervous and up the amount they will give you. This, however, is not the point - the point is your good health. When you feel better, then see, if what they offer is fair. Only you know-what is fair to you. Just remember if you had accidentally hit someone, you wouldn't want them to try and milk you. You know, Karma. If you are not getting fair treatment by the insurance company, you can go to your state's Insurance Commissioner's office and ask them to intervene. The insurance companies don't want them involved, so they may be more willing to accomodate you. You really don't need a lawyer unless you feel like you aren't being treated fairly, but it is your perogative. Lawyers tend to make people look greedy, but sometimes are definitely necessary. Good Luck and Feel Better Soon!!

Answer 2

You are due a reasonable amount for pain & suffering -- the amount will be up to you and the claims adjuster -- plus medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses and of course, the market value of your vehicle. Always try and settle without a lawyer (despite what a lot of dopes will tell you, they cannot get you twice what you are owed and you are NOT entitled to three times the med costs for P&S). Just be calm and professional when negoitating -- the first hint of a lawyer will send your claim to the legal department and then it's a whole new ball game. Like I said before, think about a reasonable amount and tell the adjuster why you feel that is what you need. If you happen to get hold of a real tool (believe me, there are lots of dumb-azzed adjusters out there) then request his/her manager. Keep this up until you have reached an agreement of you have gotten a satisfactory answer. Only go to a lawyer as a last resort because they will simply stall the settlement for a year and take 1/3 of your money.

Answer 3

This would be a subject to discuss with your insurance company. I'm sure they are doing their best to get you fully and fairly compensated for your losses.

Despite what people tell you, there is no "3 times your medical" or anything else formula. Each case is heard on its own merits.

Answer 4

Remember that the driving force's coverage enterprise isn't required to pay greater than the physically damage prohibit to your buddy's coverage. To get any longer, you might have to sue your buddy. In a ordinary declare of this nature, you would count on to get approximately 250,000 in discomfort and pain (if that cash have been to be had). That, nevertheless, isn't authorized recommendation. With a declare this colossal, you mostly will have to speak to a private damage lawyer.

Answer 5

Call your attorney to help protect you from the insurance company. Remember the insurance claims adjuster works for the insurance company not you. So you don`t lose your rights for future problems you may end up with. Make sure your Dr. orders therapy as well. Best of luck. (ps. all out of pocket expences will be reimbursed)

Answer 6

the value of the car...all towing and storage fee's...medical bills....lost wages...pain and suffering 2-3 times the amount of your medical...also tell the insurance company to keep the medical open for a year...that way if you have to go back to the doctor you can have them pay for it.

Answer 7

DON"T settle.Wait on YOUR insurance company. your ins.co will get you the most money. If you settle you won't get half as much. GOOD LUCK.