Auto Accident - Any advice appreciated!!!

[Crash Victim]

I was recently in an auto accident. A guy ran a stop sign and hit me. My car is totaled. I was injured. The injuries are as follows.

1. Broke foot
2. cartalige torn in left knee
3. whiplash (I know everyone screams whiplash but that's what the doctor said)
4. Cracked ribs
5. Bumps, bruises, conusions, cuts etc

Next problem my part time job may not be waiting on me when my doctor releases me.

Also in addition to part time job I am a photographer and I will be missing 2 shoots due to the accident. Their aduster says that they will pay the amount of my contract for these jobs but cannot pay on what I expected on re-orders.

I am trying to handle this myself. I have already been notofied by my insurance company that they will send me a check for the value of my car this week and it will not affect the other parts of my claims against the other guy.

The other guy was on the job when the accident occured and I have recently been contacted by his insurance company. They are assuming liability and have given us a rental car to use until I purchase a new car. The accident was bad and I know I will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks. The adjuster told me they would pay for lost wages, medical, my car. What else if anything are they liable for? Everyone I know is screaming at me to get an attorney. I really want to try and handle this myself but don't want to be shafted. I guess my main questions are...

1. How can I expect to be compensated if I lose my part time job?
2. Do I deserve pain and suffering? I feel traumatized.
3. Is it realistic for me to assume I can handle this without an attorney?
4. I know it is the adjusters job to pay me as little as possible, how long to I haggle with him before going to an attorney?
5. How long do they have to pay for my rental car? I am in no shape to go out car shopping.

Sorry about the length, I just wanted to give as much info as I can.

Thank You,
Crash Victim in Alabama

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face=" Arial, Verdana, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Crash Victim:
I was recently in an auto accident. A guy ran a stop sign and hit me. My car is totaled. I was injured. The injuries are as follows.

1. Broke foot
2. cartalige torn in left knee
3. whiplash (I know everyone screams whiplash but that's what the doctor said)
4. Cracked ribs
5. Bumps, bruises, conusions, cuts etc

Next problem my part time job may not be waiting on me when my doctor releases me.

Also in addition to part time job I am a photographer and I will be missing 2 shoots due to the accident. Their aduster says that they will pay the amount of my contract for these jobs but cannot pay on what I expected on re-orders.

I am trying to handle this myself. I have already been notofied by my insurance company that they will send me a check for the value of my car this week and it will not affect the other parts of my claims against the other guy.

The other guy was on the job when the accident occured and I have recently been contacted by his insurance company. They are assuming liability and have given us a rental car to use until I purchase a new car. The accident was bad and I know I will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks. The adjuster told me they would pay for lost wages, medical, my car. What else if anything are they liable for? Everyone I know is screaming at me to get an attorney. I really want to try and handle this myself but don't want to be shafted. I guess my main questions are...

1. How can I expect to be compensated if I lose my part time job?
2. Do I deserve pain and suffering? I feel traumatized.
3. Is it realistic for me to assume I can handle this without an attorney?
4. I know it is the adjusters job to pay me as little as possible, how long to I haggle with him before going to an attorney?
5. How long do they have to pay for my rental car? I am in no shape to go out car shopping.

Sorry about the length, I just wanted to give as much info as I can.

Thank You,
Crash Victim in Alabama<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

I really do appreciate what you went through, and are going through, and will be going through that you aren't even aware of yet.

Let me see if I can put this in terms that you'll understand.

I am not a photographer. I would never accept a contract to do a wedding shoot because I'd have no idea what to do except maybe "point & click". Now, I do know this: A photographer, and a good one, is hard to come by, and is a lot more than a "point & click" professional. I think you see where I'm going with this.

Also, you are too close to the situation; e.g., your emotions will become involved, and that will be a huge hurdle for you (albeit, anyone).

An insurance adjuster's job is to save money for the company. An adjuster knows the law, and will know how to "get around you" because of your ignorance. For example, did you already give a recorded statement? Did you give out your Social Security Number? And the list goes on and on.

You could tell me things about photography, and I'd listen to you. But, if you were to ask me if I thought you were telling me the truth about how to become a pro, I couldn't begin to tell you.

Your case has a HUGE value. But, is is worth $10,000.00, $100,000.00, more? I couldn't tell you because I haven't seen your file. But, with broken bones, the value is massive.

The value is so big, in fact, that it's worth it for them to fight you tooth and nail. It's worth it for them to bamboozle you - - and you wouldn't even know it, because they know the law and you don't. Plain and simple.

Please, do yourself a favor and get an attorney as soon as possible, before you give out any more information that you think won't hurt you . . . because it will come back to haunt you, later.

You really need your own attorney to help guide you with your questions. To do so at arms length like this could be harmful to you. Best of fortune to you, and I hope you get better real soon.

IAAL


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[Jontue]

Please.....listen to IAAL!!! My daughter was in an accident and they accepted full responsibility also. No problem with car being fixed, car rental, medical that was spent ect...But when it came down to compensation for pain and suffering and time missed from enjoyment and work things changed. They(Insurance Co.) are wonderful all the way through, until the very end. By then you either said too much or ???? Not even knowing it. Then you have to start all over again but with an attorney. And by this time the $$$ they put away for u has generated such interest ect, that they pay Nothing! As is the end result, they offer Nothing! Give it to an attorney NOW so you don't do all you think and want to do without one, just to find out you must start over, with the "stress". It's "their's" not yours.....it feels wonderful...It's not all gone, but just knowing you can "let go" if you want is the most wonderful feeling in the world. I am "nothing" here on this web site except a Mom who is going through it!
Good Luck and take ALL the advice you can get! Why should they be fair??