Not sure how to handle???

[gdog]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Alabama, but the accident happened in Georgia.
I was hit from the rear while stopped at a red light. I have a neck injury(whiplash) according to the dr. about $2400 damage to my vehicle. I'm a self-employed independent contractor. My vehicle is my work. No vehicle no work. My concern is do I just deal with the insurance company directly. do I let my Ins. company handle the whole thing and let them deal with the other Ins. co., or do I get an attorney and let a lawyer handle the whole thing? Just not sure what to do at this point!!!

Thanks in advance for any advice!!!!!!!What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[ReformedMan]

Get a lawyer to deal with the insurance companies. The process will take a while, but they can almost definitely get you more money than if you go it alone.

[ecmst12]

Go through your own insurance to get your car fixed the fastest. They will get your deductible back for you when the claim is complete. Your injuries are minor and may not be worth hiring a lawyer for, that's up to you. Concentrate on your treatment for now, once your treatment is done, you will submit everything to the adjuster and work out a settlement. You will need proof of income if you want to claim lost wages; your tax forms from last year are usually good for that.

[gdog]

Thanks for the response and advice. I was thinking the same thing myself, sort of. I'm not really all about the law suit thing, but I do want what's due me. And I'm not sure what that should be. And just because I let an attorney represent me doesn't mean I have to sue, correct?

[gdog]

Originally Posted by ecmst12

Go through your own insurance to get your car fixed the fastest. They will get your deductible back for you when the claim is complete. Your injuries are minor and may not be worth hiring a lawyer for, that's up to you. Concentrate on your treatment for now, once your treatment is done, you will submit everything to the adjuster and work out a settlement. You will need proof of income if you want to claim lost wages; your tax forms from last year are usually good for that.

This is exactly what my wife says I need to do. Just not sure about the injury at this point. Still pretty sore and stiff. But that will probably work it's way out after a little time.
Thank you also for the response and advice!!!

[ecmst12]

Correct, you don't have to sue. You will have to pay him 30-40% of whatever you get, which is why it's worth trying to settle yourself if the case is small and your injuries are not serious. You can always get a lawyer later if you're having trouble (as long as you don't wait until the statute of limitations is about to expire). And typically things take longer when lawyers are involved. So if you want fast, handle it yourself.

[gdog]

I tend to agree. Thank you very much for some very sound advice!