Passenger in car accident in Florida

[youb]

What is the name of your state? Florida

I was a passenger in a car accident in FL on September 30th 2007. I'm a French citizen, and was with a friend who is insured by a Massachusetts company. The other driver cut of in front of us at an intersection. He was determined at fault by the police report.

The car was totaled. I wasn't severely injured, but still had multiple contusions, a black eye, and some small wounds. I stayed the whole afternoon in the hospital then I was "fit" to go out.

I had about $ 8,000 expenses in medical bills, plus $ 2,000 in other expenses (lost properties in the accident, hotel nights to recover and stay with my friend who was more severely injured, taxi and greyhound rides, ...).

My friend's insurance PIP plus my own travel insurance are going to pay for the medical expenses (that's what they told me). The at-fault party's insurance contacted me, and asked me a couple questions about the accident and my health, which I answered. The adjuster told me they were going to pay for the medical and material expenses, and to send him the medical bills along with a paper to give them the right to access my medical informations. He also said they won't pay for any pain and suffering.

I think I shouldn't trust him too much on that... I'd like to have some advice. From what I read I could ask for money for pain and suffering, but apparently Florida law is particular about that, and I read somewhere it had changed on October 1st (the day after the accident).

Any idea what I should demand to the at-fault insurance ? Just the material loss ? Three times the medical expenses as I read on some websites ?

Thanks in advance, and if you need more info just ask...

Mat

[ecmst12]

In florida, on 9/30, you were only able to get money for pain and suffering if you had permanent damage due to your injuries. You may just want to let the driver's PIP cover you, and then recover from the at-fault insurance if allowed.