Ian Said:

Is this a reasonable amount for an insurance settlement? Long but please read.?

We Answered:

Hiya:

I've handled and currently over see handling of all kinds of claims.

Based on what you've said.....You've got a total of $ 7025 in medical and lost wages.

I'm kinda wondering what's missing here in what you said, though. The offer of $8000 is low, in my experienced opinion.

There ARE reasons that they would discount your settlement though. Do you know if that is the case? Were you wearing your seatbelt? In some states they can take a 20% discount for your negligence in failing to wear a seatbelt and contribute to your own injury.

Is your treatment excessive for your diagnosis? There are medical guidelines for treatment of soft tissue injuries. If you treated longer than those guidelines - the insurance company would not necessarily be responsible for all of your medical expenses. They are ONLY responsible for reasonable, usual, customary and necessary medical expenses. If you went outside of the norm and had tests, etc that were not warranted - they would not have to take that into consideration.

The state and jurisdiction you are in could make a difference, too but I don't know where you are. (Some states give higher awards for the same injury that another state might have a lower award for)

Also - let's say the numbers you listed are at the full medical rate. Insurance companies are entitled to audit and some of the same reductions that your health insurer is entitled to. So, let's say you have added all your medical bills up to $7025 - but after audit and reprice they only add up to $3050. (which happens a LOT) - then the offer of $8000 might sound a little more reasonable, right?

I would ask the insurance company if that is something they did.

And, keep in mind, soft tissue injuries are not necessarily very serious. They are expected to clear up - and it DOES take time.

Anyway - all that aside - if everything you listed is true and accurate, there is no seatbelt defense, you have no permanency or scarring, the bills have already been reduced and you were in my local jurisdiction - I would value your claim around between 10-12k. (Granted - insurance companies usually work within a settlement range - I would not necessarily start at that number and/or end at that number - but I think it is a good number taking everything I listed above into consideration).

Soooooo...would ya settle with my offer? :-)

Hope you are all better. Goodluck!

~jifr!

Kent Said:

What should i do if i was in a car accident and have whiplash & mom was driving & her insurance is liability?

We Answered:

Federally funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health Centers provide health and dental care to people of all ages, whether or not they have health insurance or the money to pay for health care.

http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

there's more resources at
http://www.simplyinsurancequotes.com/lin…

Glen Said:

Should I Close Out a Personal Injury Case with Marriott Liability Insurance or should I be claiming more?

We Answered:

I wouldn't take the money. In the short run $750 is a short amount of money, and if you can do without, wait it out. Who knows what kind of recovery your mom will have? If there was negligence by the hotel, and your mom becomes unable to provide for herself, then there's liability and damages to be paid. If not, and your mom recovers, then you can wait a while longer, and see if there are no more medical expenses. One thing is for sure, if you settle now, any expenses or damages that your mom might be entitled to will be gone. I say wait.

Katie Said:

Auto Insurance Settlement question for Claims Adjusters and/or previously injured drivers?

We Answered:

You should make sure the insurance company covers all of the bills that would not have existed had you not been in the accident (treatment, housekeeping services, medical insurance copays, prescriptions, travel, etc). Most bodily injury adjusters will want to wait until you are done with treatment before they will settle, but you can ask for some money up front for bills that can't wait (lost wages for living expenses, etc). Your final settlement will reflect any advances like these. It is important to note that you can expect a settlement without going to court. You should consult a lawyer if you want to. You have the right to be represented by an attorney, who once s/he represents you, will handle the entire claim, and you will not be allowed to speak directly to the insurance company. Attorneys typically take 30% of your settlement as their payment, and while some adjusters will consider this when negotiating settlement, others will offer the atty the same as they'd offer you. In general, hiring an attorney makes it easier for you to focus on recovery, because you will not have to negotiate yourself. The paperwork will be the same, though, and you may feel out of the loop if you hire a busy attorney who can't update you regularly. Terms you will need to become familiar with are "general damages" and "special damages" (often shortened to "specials"). Specials are billable (medical bills, housekeeping services, transportation) while general damages are like pain and suffering, loss of consortium (if your partner suffered because you could not provide "comfort" due to your injury). Specials are easy to put a price on, just add them up. General dmgs are harder, and you should consider how your life will be changed permanently. Will you work fewer hours? Will you have to retire early? Will you need assistance doing things you used to do? If you think you'll have long-term problems, ask about a structured settlement. That will be periodic checks as opposed to a lump sum (which disappears VERY fast). Good luck, and I hope you recover 100%.

Sidney Said:

Insurance Cash Settlement - Car was rear ended I have whiplash?

We Answered:

Go to a lawyer. There's a thousand personal injury lawyers. They'll get you much more than if you were to try and settle on your own and the majority of them do not require any type of actual payment from you. They'll just take part of the settlement. Usually a third.

Caroline Said:

Would I still be covered if I cancel my insurance?

We Answered:

DO NOT CANCEL YOUR POLICY. First the part about their company not covering all medical bills is correct, it can and does happen. Second reason not to cancel is if you plan on getting another vehicle in the future... your premiums will be higher for having a lapse in coverage. Hope this helps!