car accident + pain and suffering

[Akebona]

I got into a car accident about 3 weeks ago. Someone rear ended us as we were stopped near a freeway interchange. It was his fault and his insurance guy called me up today to settle some claims.

The injuries i'm claiming are that my ribs were "reaggravated" according to the doctor. I have about $600 worth of hospital bills and the guy wants to cut me a check of $1000. Now, some advice, is this too little? I think it is, since for about 2 weeks after the accident I wasn't able to sleep on my side and even today I still have pains in my side. Since I want more, how exactly do I negotiate? I dont have a lawyer but should I threaten one? I was the passenger in the vehicle, with 2 other people in the car. I've never claimed anything so i'm asking you guys for advice.

Does anyone else have any experience in this?

 

[d33pt]

that sounds like it's too little. i'd say in this case it's worth getting a lawyer..even after lawyer fees..you'd get 3-4x as much as what they'd offer before..

 

[amdskip]

Get a lawyer, legal stuff can be very messy.

 

[Vette73]

Don't get a lawyer for this small of a case. Just tell them you are rejecting there first offer. Tell them your time and etc... are woth $3500. They will turn you down and then a month later come back with there next offer. The 2nd one is usually the one to take as anything over that you will have to put to much time in it.
If you get a lawyer this is all they do. Just reject the first offer and take the 2nd, and then they keep part of your money.

Just do what I said and you should get at least 50% more.

 

[kranky]

Do not settle now. That can only work against you. That's why they want you to do it right away. If you settle now and something comes up later (or it turns out that your rib problem is worse than it appears) you won't be able to pursue it.

See if they will pay you now for the expenses you already racked up but without making a final settlement. Read everything carefully before signing anything.

When my wife got rear-ended years ago, all we asked for was enough money to cover her chiropractor bills in case she needed treatments in the future. The insurance company declined. I told them I didn't want to get a lawyer involved, and wanted to work this out fairly between us. They said there was no need for a lawyer, because he wouldn't be able to get us one additional dollar. I couldn't get them to budge from $2000 even though we already had about $500 in bills already. After months of getting nowhere, I got so frustrated I got a lawyer. In three days he got a settlement for $10,000, and the lawyer took 40%. He got $4,000 for probably making a couple phone calls. But I wasn't getting anywhere, so I guess it was worth it.

 

[Tominator]

The insurance company MUST pay your health care bills! Do NOT sign anything or take more money until your doctor gives you a clean bill of health.

I would not get a lawyer involved unless you have injuries that are ongoing.

 

[TallBill]

usually you get 2.5 times the amount.. at least thats wut i heard

 

[tarheelmm]

With my first accident I got 3x the medical bils
My second accident I got 3x my bills plus half of the total as p+s

Had a lawyer both times.

 

[Zebo]

Only three weeks and your talking about settling!!! Wait at least 6 months for a full apraisal of your body and condition. Then repost.

 

[43st]

Agreed. This is about health and not making money from an insurance company.

If you're only in it for the cash then do what you want but if this is an honest health appraisal then wait. The lures of cash usually win out in the end for our greed centered culture.

 

[Akebona]

You're right, and I'm definately not here to make a quick buck. Especially since my ribs still do hurt, just not as bad. I was just wondering if this guy is low-balling me and it sounds like he is. I will give the doctor another visit soon to check up on anything. I'm worried about my GF though, her neck has been bothering her ever since the accident and now she always gets headaches. She's been going to the physical therapist 3X's a week now and the pain is still there.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Get a lawyer. Along with any monetary settlement you get, you also want future medical coverage for any lingering problems.

A lawyer will get you more money than you will ever get yourself, even after his percentage. It's all done on contingencey.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Originally posted by: Akebona
You're right, and I'm definately not here to make a quick buck. Especially since my ribs still do hurt, just not as bad. I was just wondering if this guy is low-balling me and it sounds like he is. I will give the doctor another visit soon to check up on anything. I'm worried about my GF though, her neck has been bothering her ever since the accident and now she always gets headaches. She's been going to the physical therapist 3X's a week now and the pain is still there.

Let me guess. Your GF hasn't been to a lawyer yet, has she? SHE NEEDS A LAWYER!