My wife was in back seat, we were hit from behind in traffic maybe at 10-15mph tops, she has been through PT, Chiropractic work, and a rib out of place, minor pain and discomfort, limited work, no exercise etc for 6-8wks. She is done medical treatment and feeling good as before the accident. We are at the point of settling and I'm not sure what to do? The insurance co will be contacting me soon with a "figure", Should I almost laugh off their first offer? ANything I should be doing at this point to get the most money? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks for your time in advance
Gregg

Make sure you get all medical bills paid for.
Sometimes you can even have them write up a contract that they will pay any further medical if symptoms recur. But you will have to prove it is from this accident.

Remember you can ask for pain and suffering.
But do not try to get rich off them or you will run into problems.

My mom had a similar accident and she got 15,000

You give them a figure that covers all the expenses incurred, include all medical fees, not what you paid but what the doctors charged. If your health insurance covered costs, you will have to reimburse the coverage from the insurance settlement. Include all costs like transportation to and from the doctor etc. Get bills from your doctors, document the mileage and each office visit. Include any loss of income. If you had to pay for someone to clean the house, include that as well. Basically any expenses that were a direct result of the accident

Make sure the settlement doesn't preclude further reimbursement if a relapse occurs.

I would not try to get anything but reimbursement for expense. Pain and suffering are not easy to prove.

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Originally Posted by gregg240

My wife was in back seat, we were hit from behind in traffic maybe at 10-15mph tops, she has been through PT, Chiropractic work, and a rib out of place, minor pain and discomfort, limited work, no exercise etc for 6-8wks. She is done medical treatment and feeling good as before the accident. We are at the point of settling and I'm not sure what to do?? The insurance co will be contacting me soon with a "figure", Should I almost laugh off their first offer?? ANything I should be doing at this point to get the most money?? Any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks for your time in advance
Gregg

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Don't settle unless it's been awhile since the injuries, never know but she might have more problems, ask them to take care of the current expenses, med bills, lost wages, etc, and to call you in a few months when you will feel more confident she will have no further medical issues. You didn't say how how ago the accident was, so try to find out if you are approaching the statute of limitations, i.e. some states limit it to a couple of years, after that point the insurance company is off the hook and you have no recourse. Consult an attorney if any doubts, some will listen and not charge a fee but will want a huge chunk of any settlement they might assist you in securing.

Thanks for your help... I have done most of this... I like the mileage and house cleaning as a direct result, also any future issues... the accident was July 14 06... thakns for any more info
Gregg