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Post Info TOPIC: I was in an accident. Need settlement advice!
Cricket


Gucci

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I was in an accident. Need settlement advice!
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I was in a traffic accident back in October of 2004.  I've just been released from my doctor, and need advice from people who have been in accidents and have had settlements before, are a lawyer, whatever.  I didn't get a lawyer. I have no idea how much to ask the insurance company for. 


My 18 month old daughter and I were passengers in my sister's vehicle when we were hit by a teenager that ran a stop sign.  It was very traumatic for me at the time because my daughter was in the back seat.  We spun around 3 times and I was sure we were going to flip over.  Anyway, she was fine and I had a mild case of whiplash.  I went to the chiropractor and have been treated for neck pain until I was released last week.  For a few months I went to the chiro 3 times a week and now I'm down to once a week.  I haven't seen the bill yet, but I was going in tomorrow to look at it. 


What's normal to ask for?  Should I double the amount of the bill so half goes to the doctor and half to me for pain and suffering?  Is that on the low or high side?  ARGH!!!  I don't want to be greedy, but I don't want to be taken advantage of by the insurance company.



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Karina


Chanel

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I used to do insurance claims for my company, and I can honestly tell you at this point you should consult a personal injury attorney.  Depending on what state you are in, you can receive damages, pain and suffering and reimbursal of all medical bills, even if they are paid by insurance already.


Good luck!



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Cricket


Gucci

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I've been told that before, but I just don't know at what point you need a lawyer.  I feel like my injury was minor.  I'm so torn.  It was a pain in the ass to go to all those adjustments (and hubby missed a lot of work), but we're essentially fine. 

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halleybird


Hermes

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my husband is a claims adjuster...I agree with karina. they will want to pay dr. bills and that's it -- you won't believe how cheap they are.

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crystal


Kate Spade

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i was in a similar situation, i was a passenger in a girl's car who was driving under the influence & hit a parked car.  i dealt directly w/ her insurance cuz she was being kinda shady & they told me to let them know when i was done w/ treatment (the chiro).  when i was done i gave them copies of ALL my receipts (cab fare to get home after the accident, hospital check up, chiro bill, etc.) & they paid for those & then some.  not sure exactly how much more i got than i was owed, but i wasn't expecting anything for "pain & suffering" & i know i got at least a grand, maybe two for it?  i forget how much the whole settlement was.  anyways, the people who recommended lawyers probably know more than i do about it, but i just wanted to share my "non-lawyer" experience.  good luck!

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Karina


Chanel

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RE: RE: I was in an accident. Need settlement adv
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quote:
Originally posted by: Cricket
"I've been told that before, but I just don't know at what point you need a lawyer.  I feel like my injury was minor.  I'm so torn.  It was a pain in the ass to go to all those adjustments (and hubby missed a lot of work), but we're essentially fine.  "


if your dh missed work, you need to be compensated for his time off.
get a lawyer, girl!

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blubirde


Chanel

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RE: I was in an accident. Need settlement advice!
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Yep, yep, yep, to everything everyone else said.


I used to work for an insurance company and I'm an attorney. And I used to work for an insurance defense firm (ick, I know). They'll try and screw you, especially if you don't have an attorney. They have the money to pay you for everything and they're actually prepared to pay you but if they think they can get away with giving you $1 when you could get $100, they will.


Get a lawyer!



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tosh


BCBG

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I also used to work for an insurance company so I'll second talking to a lawyer.  To put things in perspective for you, though, my husband was in an accident a little over a yr ago went to the chiro for over 8 mos and missed work and he only ended up w/ a little over $3000 in addition to getting the bills paid.  He didn't have any legal help.  Your accident seems more severe as your very young daughter was in the car.  You should also make sure that both you and your daughter have injury claims open w/ the insurance agency and not just you.  Be very, very cautious about signing any releases until you are 100% sure neither of you will need any further medical attention.

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