I was at the local pharmacy picking up my mom's medication earlier today.. After I was done I got into my car, started the engine, and before I knew it, an"Access A Ride" (city bus service for the elderyly/disabled) slammed into my car diagonally.. I'm guessing he wasn't paying attention and tried to park in my spot even though.. guess what.. I WAS STILL THERE! My driver's door is dented, my fender is tangled up and my front bumper was ripped off (it's hanging by a string). Luckily no one was on the bus at the time.. The driver REFUSED to give me his insurance information or his name so I called the police - two hours later we both filed accident reports.. What pisses me off is that this guy didn't take ANY blame at all.... He said that I was pulling out and hit him- impossible because a) I didn't and b) there's no damage on his truck - he slammed head on into my side.. Anyways, this is where it gets interesting.. I walked away a bit sore and achey from this whole thing - an ambulance chaser noticed my discomfort and offered me some help - he said that we can get the company -who was at fault - to cover my detuctable and some extra cash for my inconvenience.. This all sounded fair and good (especially since the driver wasn't cooperating at all).. He took me to a repair shop, drove me to a doctors office to get checked out, and then dropped me back home.. Now I was being totally honest with the doctors and told them exactly how I feel (sore neck, back, a mild headache)... What's REALLY suspicious to me is that I have to see the doctors 3x's a week for about 2 months.. This seems excessive and seems very much like a scam.. They didn't ask for my medical insurance nor did they ask for any money - what exactly could be going on???
Got in a pretty screwed up accident today...
- Thread starter slackerinabox
- Start date
JetBlack69
Diamond Member
- Sep 16, 2001
- 4,580
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First of all, I'm betting the lawyer took you to some sketched-out doctor's office that he has a contract with. If I were you, I'd cut off all contact with that sleazeball and forget about him.
If the driver was as uncooperative as you say he was, then I'd call my own lawyer and get him involved, just in case he doesn't cooperate with the cops. Also, make sure the police report is in your hands when it's finished - go down to the station tomorrow and pick up a copy of it. Also, call your insurance company ASAP. That's THE most important thing - and make sure you have a case or police report # to give them.
If the driver was as uncooperative as you say he was, then I'd call my own lawyer and get him involved, just in case he doesn't cooperate with the cops. Also, make sure the police report is in your hands when it's finished - go down to the station tomorrow and pick up a copy of it. Also, call your insurance company ASAP. That's THE most important thing - and make sure you have a case or police report # to give them.
Pliablemoose
Lifer
- Oct 11, 1999
- 25,195
- 0
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I called my insurance company from a payphone 10 min after the accident.. They gave me a claim number and such. The "sleazeball" told me that we would go together to pick up the accident report.... I don't know.. I don't want rip anyone off but do feel that I'm owed at least the deductable (and any increase to my insurance)- I would dump this guy and go for good lawyer but I'm a full time college student and am broke.. This guy says that the he'd take the case for free (fees paid from settlement) and that I wouldn't even have to go to court - my car was in a parking spot, end of story.. Regardless, this doctors visit 3xs a week is bugging me.. I have a feeling that he's not even a lawyer and is just trying to get me to ring up a lot of medical expenses without ever giving me a dime...
No, I Signed a few medical forms with the doctors office (mostly for the release of medical records, etc.).. Haven't signed anything with the ambulance chaser - we're going to discuss that on wenesday.
Pliablemoose
Lifer
- Oct 11, 1999
- 25,195
- 0
- 56
What the insurance company bases their settlement on is pain & suffering, if you ring up a bunch of medical bills, it proves pain & suffering.
In my state, lawyers are allowed ~30% + expenses as a fee.
You'll end up with some $.
In my state, lawyers are allowed ~30% + expenses as a fee.
You'll end up with some $.
I must add that I was impressed by the way my little hyundai elantra held up to such a major accident (the bus was 3x's it's size and weight).... Of course, the crumple zones.. crumpled.. but I'm fine (minor a few aches) and the structure is totally in tact.. Was suprised that the impacted didnt' rip off the front it since it's korean..
ViRGE
Elite Member, Moderator Emeritus
- Oct 9, 1999
- 31,516
- 167
- 106
While the ambulance chaser probably isn't the most honest person, I would think that the docter isn't quite as bad. Back and neck injuries are poorly understood; the first few visits at least are probably so that they can determine if it's a temporary thing, or something that will require therapy. Next time you're talking to the chaser(and get confirmation that he's a lawyer before you do anything else), talk to him about your concerns, and to the doctor(if you see him) about the visits. From there, the choice is up to you.
kranky
Elite Member
- Oct 9, 1999
- 21,020
- 156
- 106
There are tons of lawyers who take cases on contingency. My first choice wouldn't be a guy in a parking lot. And what's more, I wouldn't want that guy picking my doctor.
The plan is to make you go to the doctor many times, build up a big, overblown case, then settle it for a fraction of what they are asking. If you are going to get someone else, better do it now. If you go with someone else, you can be sure they will want paid for the doctor visit(s) you already had. Find out from your insurance company if they will cover the visit you already made. It may not be cheap. They didn't ask for insurance, and you didn't ask what it would cost.
The plan is to make you go to the doctor many times, build up a big, overblown case, then settle it for a fraction of what they are asking. If you are going to get someone else, better do it now. If you go with someone else, you can be sure they will want paid for the doctor visit(s) you already had. Find out from your insurance company if they will cover the visit you already made. It may not be cheap. They didn't ask for insurance, and you didn't ask what it would cost.
I dun see how he's being greedy - what would you have done if you were in his shoes? ignore and let youself take the blame?
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