Insurance Settlement Amount

[Tessb]

My son was injured in an auto accident. He was rear-ended by another vehicle. Fault was never an issue, the other driver accepted full blame. The accident occurred in November, 1999 and my son was 17 years old. He was not seriously injured, but it did hurt his back and neck. He had headaches for about a week, and his back hurt for about two months. He went to doctor and physical therapy. Doctor bills totaled about $725 and he had lost wages of about $250. The insurance company wants to settle for $2000. They have already fixed his vehicle. I told the adjuster that I thought settlement formulas were 3 times the amount of doctor bills, plus lost wages. He got a little snotty and said, "Maybe 25 years ago." Anyway, I am just curious what a fair settlment would be. I don't want to rip them off, but I want my son to get what he should. He could do not regular activities for almost 3 months. Thanks for your help.

 

[ALawyer]

Anyone who tries to get his own claim settled loses and does not get nearly all that he or she can. It is just that simple -- do you really think the adjuster hired by the Insurer will pay you all that you are entitled to? Get real.

I am not sure if is or is not too late, and the amount really depends on the facts and any permanent injury, but if you ask a lawyer in your area -- they work on a contingency fee basis -- and you can negotiate and arrange with the lawyer to get only a percentage (40-50%) in excess of the offer you are about to take, you both may win.

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