Rear-ended on the freeway

[Louiser]

What is the name of your state? WA

I got rear-ended a few days ago. My passenger was sent to the ER, X-rayed and released. I felt fine at first but went to my MD and got some pain meds and muscle relaxers. I now have symptoms of a concussion and muscle strain, both of which have no treatment, just time. I am going back to the doctor today to document this. Neither of us have been able to sleep more than a few hours at a time, both hurt and I cannot take my muscle relaxers because I am a nurse (unemployed and on disability) but I help others in the neighborhood. For instance, I must take Phil, my passenger to the radiation oncologist today for a pituitary tumor so I cannot be drugged up and it cannot be put off-it is too serious. I am also packing a deep surgical wound for a neighbor daily so I have to be able to get around to do that.
I talked to my insurance and they said I should not hire a lawyer as the other driver's insurance, which has called and accepted liability, will offer what they offer and a lawyer will only cut into what I and/or my passenger would get. I do not have collision on my truck through my insurance since there was a 500$ deduct and its only worth about 1000$, but since it is not my fault, the other ins will fix or total it. I just dont think that the 'blue book' worth of the truck and getting the medical bills paid is sufficient. No, I am not looking to become independently wealthy from this but this is not hot coffee from Mcdonalds, either. I am especially concerned for my friend because his mental state is delicate for a number of reasons and I had to talk him out of trying to kill himself right after the accident and at the hospital and after we got home. He is still very depressed. Even though it is my insurance saying not to hire a lawyer, I question their allegiance
Comments or suggestions?

 

[staylor]

The maximum amount you would get is:

The amount of liability insurance held by other driver + your underinsured bodily injury amount = total maximum

You can only get what you need however.

Example:

Other driver holds 50/100 Bodily Injury
You have 100/300 Underinsured Motorist

Maximum would be $400,000

I don't think any lawyer would help you get anymore than what your medical bills etc. will prove. They would only take more money away from you.

Hope this helps.

Stephen Taylor

 

[JETX]

"I just dont think that the 'blue book' worth of the truck and getting the medical bills paid is sufficient."
*** Regretably, what you think will have little to do with the process. You have the right to expect them to repair or reimburse (fair market value) for your property damage (vehicle) and for compensation for actual medical expenses incurred due to the accident. Depending on the specifics, you might recover an additional amount for 'pain and suffering', but that will also depend on the amount of 'suffering' you have.

"I am especially concerned for my friend because his mental state is delicate for a number of reasons and I had to talk him out of trying to kill himself right after the accident and at the hospital and after we got home. He is still very depressed."
*** Sorry, but you are not compensated for any of that.

 

[lbryson]

read the last post of alseep at the wheel