Bodily Injury Settlement Question

Question

I was in an automobile accident just over two years ago. I was rear ended while stopped at an intersection. My truck was totalled and I sustained a severe whip lash that caused permanent damage. The other person's insurance company paid for my truck and was fair in the settlement. The bodily injury adjuster has all of my medical records and a letter from my chiropractor stating that my range of motion has been dramatically deminished, cannot be repaired, and that the pain that I experience when turning my head will be with me for the rest of my life.

The adjustor is offering $15,200 inclusive of medical bills for the injury. This seems very low to me since the injury is permanent. I really don't want to have to get an attorney involved and don't want to be punitive. I just want to get what is a fair settlement. My meidical bills are already over $10,000 and I will have to see my chiropractor for the rest of my life.

Am I expecting too much or is this offer very low? If it seems low to you, what do you think would be fair? Thanks.

Answer 1

You're expecting too much, if the ONLY authority you're using to support your claim,  is  a chiropractor.  

Generally, a chiropractor will tell you, that you have to see them for the rest of your life.  Even if there ISN'T an injury.

Answer 2

My husband was in a very similar accident, only he was at a stop sign.

He suffered neck and back injury. He hired a lawyer and the lawyer is predicting at least a $37,000 settlement.  I would hire a lawyer because the insurance companies will try to get away with paying the least amount of money.

Answer 3

They haven't been fair with you.  Why don't you want to see an attorney.  When a question can not be resolved, it is time for the court to resoldve the question.  You are talking about the rest of your life.  What about the loss of future income?  Shouldn't you be compensated for that.  Wake up man.  And watch out for the Chiropracter.  They can cause more damage than can ever be fixed.  Just get a good attorney.

Answer 4

I agree with mb I used to be a bodily injury adjuster as well. Just seeing a chiropractor is just not enough. I don't know what your states requirements are for a bodily injury claim but the bottom line if you feel you are not getting a fair settlement then maybe you should seek legal counsel but try to do your research before selecting an attorney you don't have to select the first one you go to .   Good Luck !  

Answer 5

Definitely get an attorney.  They will be paid out of any settlement you receive so it shouldn't cost you anything up front or out of pocket.  If you will have to have medical care for this condition for the rest of your life, that offer is WAY too low.  Good luck!

Answer 6

It's impossible to answer your question. You have not indicated what state, what county, what city you live in. You could be living in a conservative jurisdiction and, if this is the case, an attorney will not automatically produce better numbers. A chiropractic permanency rating is fine. However, an orthopaedic or neuro rating would be better. You will not be seeing the chiropractor the rest of your life rest assured. If you have been told that, you should be seeing an ortho or neuro for a second consult. Also, have you had any MRI's? If so, has an ortho or neuro reviewed them and gone over the findings? Do you have any disc bulges or herniations? If so, do the MRI's say anything about: spondylosis, stenosis, loss of disc height & hydration? If so, these are degenerative conditions. The accident 'may' have aggravated the symptoms, but did not cause same. There's too much info left out to answer intelligently.