child on bike hit by car

My 12 year old son on his bike was crossing the street. The front tire of his bike was clipped by a car traveling faster than the speed limit for our residential street. He was ejected from bike. One hour in emergency room of local hospital, No major injuries. Very bruised Tail bone, minor skin abrasion on face. Bike is totaled. Our son spent three days tiptoeing around house and sitting on stacks of pillows. He has not been on a bike in two months. He has resumed outside play. Drivers insurance company offered us a 500.00 check for son's pain and suffering.
Does this amount sound fair to you?

[RunningOnEmpty]

Will there be any follow-up treatment with your family doctor or is he finished treating? Did the abrasion on his face leave any type of scar? Did you photograph the bruise on his tailbone? What were to total costs of medical care/ambulance, etc? Is his injury completely resolved?

I am a claims adjuster, not an attorney.

There is a wee small scar appx 2cms in length. Looks like a freckle.
Medical treatment is complete. No additional follow up treatments are needed unless I notice symptoms out of the ordinary occuring.
We did not take pics of the tailbone.
My medical insurance covered 100% of hospital emergency room visit.
I am still waiting for insurance to pay for the ambulance ride to the hospital.
The ambulance fee was $ 495.00
Total Hospital Emg Room $1385.25
To replace bike $ 120.00 appx
Replace articles of torn
clothing $ 120.00- 140.00
underwear, pants sneakers
Tee Shirt (socks we already in bad shape)
Thank you

[RunningOnEmpty]

You should be compensated for all medical bills (regardless of whether your insurance paid. Your insurance MAY want to be reimbursed by you after you collect). You should also be compensated for any out of pocket expenses you incurred, i.e. the bike, the clothing, prescriptions, etc. After that, you should be compensated for "pain and suffering."

To be perfectly honest (in my opinion as an adjuster), a one-time treatment does not indicate much of an injury. The bills were high because your child was transported by ambulance to an emergency room. Expensive, but precautionary. No further follow-up treatment was warranted. Your son was very uncomfortable for three days. You have to decide how much that is worth. In my humble opinion, the offer of $500 for the "pain/suffering" portion of your claim is probably a fair/decent offer. You can always demand more. It never hurts to ask.

My son regularly bangs himself up learning to skate, ride his bike and scooter, as well as the general rough-housing that boys do. Frequent bloody noses, lips, cuts/scrapes and lots and lots of bruises. Part of growing up. I am glad that your son was not seriously hurt. I'm sure it scared the beejeesus out of both of you, as well as the driver of the car. Good luck to you.