What is the name of your state?
I live in Southern California and I'm insured by 21st Century since the late 80s. I was involved in a rear-end accident in late October. I was rear ended by an uninsured driver while waiting at a red light exiting the freeway. The driver was on a cellphone and never saw me. The driver was in a car and I drive an SUV so the damage to my vehicle was approximately $700 because the car literally slid under my truck. I was the only passenger and was sitting twisted to the right going through CDs on my passenger seat and, consequently, did not see this person coming and didn't realize I was hit until impact. Before the accident, I had no back problems but following the accident I had pain in my upper shoulders, head, neck and lower back. After I gave my initial statement to the insurance company, the adjuster made one phone call introducing herself and then never returned any phone calls to this day. I called her constantly asking for information on how I could see a doctor as I was hurting. I called a chiropracter friend who referred me to an attorney. I visited the chiropracter for two and one half months. All the pain subsided except my lower back. After being referred to an orthopedic surgeon and an MRI [now in his care for another 2 1/2 months], it was found that I have two ruptured disks in my lower back - aggravated by the accident. The ortho has indicated that the problem was probably there (although asymptomatic) but the impact of the rear end collision caused a domino effect that essentially has made me disabled. I carry full coverage - $100,000 uninsured modorist bodily injury on my policy. My lawyer and my docters are all worried about collecting money from this case as the medical bills are approx. $5,000. My lawyer says this case will go to arbitration. Can someone give me advice as to my chances of collecting loss wages and a settlement since I've been out of work since December, the chances of my back remaining the same forever if I don't have surgery are great. Does the insurance company have a leg to stand on trying to say that $700 worth of damage could not have caused this much pain and suffering. I'd be interested in discussing this. Thanks. ez
I live in Southern California and I'm insured by 21st Century since the late 80s. I was involved in a rear-end accident in late October. I was rear ended by an uninsured driver while waiting at a red light exiting the freeway. The driver was on a cellphone and never saw me. The driver was in a car and I drive an SUV so the damage to my vehicle was approximately $700 because the car literally slid under my truck. I was the only passenger and was sitting twisted to the right going through CDs on my passenger seat and, consequently, did not see this person coming and didn't realize I was hit until impact. Before the accident, I had no back problems but following the accident I had pain in my upper shoulders, head, neck and lower back. After I gave my initial statement to the insurance company, the adjuster made one phone call introducing herself and then never returned any phone calls to this day. I called her constantly asking for information on how I could see a doctor as I was hurting. I called a chiropracter friend who referred me to an attorney. I visited the chiropracter for two and one half months. All the pain subsided except my lower back. After being referred to an orthopedic surgeon and an MRI [now in his care for another 2 1/2 months], it was found that I have two ruptured disks in my lower back - aggravated by the accident. The ortho has indicated that the problem was probably there (although asymptomatic) but the impact of the rear end collision caused a domino effect that essentially has made me disabled. I carry full coverage - $100,000 uninsured modorist bodily injury on my policy. My lawyer and my docters are all worried about collecting money from this case as the medical bills are approx. $5,000. My lawyer says this case will go to arbitration. Can someone give me advice as to my chances of collecting loss wages and a settlement since I've been out of work since December, the chances of my back remaining the same forever if I don't have surgery are great. Does the insurance company have a leg to stand on trying to say that $700 worth of damage could not have caused this much pain and suffering. I'd be interested in discussing this. Thanks. ez