Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    ramurphy's Avatar
    ramurphy Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 7, 2007, 05:27 PM
    Car wreck
    I was involved in a car accident a week ago as a passenger. The car was totaled per insurance agent. I went to the dr. and was given pain medicine and told that I had inflammation in my shoulders and swelling and pain in my hand(it hit and cracked the windshield). I am fine other than swelling and pain especially in that hand. What should I do. Insurance agent says they will pay above and beyond medical. But referred to my injuries as bumps and bruises. It hurt when it happened and hurts now. I'm a little paranoid when I drive now. How much is suitable for this accident in a settlement? I live in Tennessee. The other driver has admitted fault and was given a ticket at the site.
    letmetellu's Avatar
    letmetellu Posts: 3,151, Reputation: 317
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 7, 2007, 09:18 PM
    Call a lawyer that will handle your case without any charges to you unless he can make the insurance company pay. Then he will probably get one third of anything you are awarded.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
    Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 8, 2007, 06:46 AM
    The other persons insurance is paying though the liablity section of the insurance policy. What they are to pay for is actual medical injuries and any future medical claims for this.

    What you need to do is discuss this with your doctor and see if they believe there is any future medical attention going to be needed.

    It is common for people after a serious accident to be worried about driving, but this gets better with time.
    excon's Avatar
    excon Posts: 21,482, Reputation: 2992
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Jan 8, 2007, 07:10 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ramurphy
    .... referred to my injuries as bumps and bruises. How much is suitable for this accident in a settlement?
    Hello ramurphy:

    How much will make you happy? Please don't misunderstand my question. Getting hit is NOT winning the lottery, so I'm not talking about making you wealthy - I'm talking about satisfying you. You do sound like a person who innately understands this, but many people read this stuff.

    Of course, they say you've only got bumps and bruises. They're the ones who have to pay. They're NOT looking out for YOUR benefit. They're looking out for THEIR OWN. Having said that, there is a formula that is used to come up with a figure for pain and suffering. I don't know what it is. It's a percentage of the total loss.

    Keep in mind, that the formula is only a guideline. IF you're hurt MORE than "average" then you're entitled to more. Assuming that your injuries were "average", and that you're a reasonable person, the amount YOU think you should be compensated is probably real close to the formula.

    The problem is, you're going to have to negotiate for it, because they're not going to step up to the plate and offer you what you'll eventually get. If you're sharp, you can net more than you could if you hired a lawyer. If you're not sharp, hire a lawyer.

    excon
    talaniman's Avatar
    talaniman Posts: 54,327, Reputation: 10855
    Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jan 8, 2007, 07:19 AM
    Whatever you do know that insurance companies always look to the lowest figure they can settle for and will do anything to make it seem like they are right. As excon says, if your really sharp you negotiate with them, but a good lawyer will earn his money and get a settlement for you and has experience. It doesn't hurt to talk to one before you do anything. It's a free consultation, and the insurance company has many lawyers and a bunch of tricks.
    sideoutshu's Avatar
    sideoutshu Posts: 225, Reputation: 23
    Full Member
    		  
    #6

    Jan 9, 2007, 05:22 PM
    No lawyer is going to take your case if the only injuries are "bump and bruises". Don't get your hopes up.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Buy Another Car or Use Existing Car 'til It Runs No More [ 7 Answers ]

Please help me resolve a debate with my husband. I am a first time car owner. I bought a new Jeep in 8/04 for $23,600. I put $5K down on the purchase + my loan is for 60 months. I would like to trade in the liberty before it gets too old + has too many miles on it. Does it make better sense to...

Car Loan and Car Title - Minnesota Law [ 2 Answers ]

Hello, My fiancé and I recently bought a car on a Saturday. We live in Minnesota. At first, the finance guy at the car dealership told us the financing will be done through Wells Fargo. After spending close to 4 hours at there and hearing it was a reputable bank that we both bank through -- we...

Car Wreck Issue [ 1 Answers ]

I need some advice from anyone whom might be familiar with this situation. My roommate was involved in a wreck last week and has no insurance on her car. She was driving home from work at around midnight and another lady on the opposite side of the road fell asleep at the wheel and hit my...

Car accident while friend is in the car [ 5 Answers ]

I have a question about what the case would be if I got into a car accident, mine or another drivers fault, with a friend in the car that is mine but in my Mother's name. I have been reading a little bit into insurance, I think I understand how it would work and come into play a little bit. What...

Uninsured driver involved in wreck? [ 6 Answers ]

My SIL was recently in an auto accident and did not have any automobile insurance. Bad SIL, I know. The accident was the fault of the other driver (isn't is always!! ) and that driver did have insurance. My SIL is now trying to get something out of that insurance company for her car which is a...

View more questions Search