Compensation for an accident. Any ideas?

Question

Hi, 10 weeks ago I had a motorcycle accident, it wasnt my fault, the car driver accepted liability, he pulled out into me. I was very lucky. My bike was write off. I had a dislocated thumb which was in a cast for 8 weeks and I still cannot bend it. I suffered a torn rotater cap on my right shoulder and bruising an swelling to my knees. These injuries are almost healed but for the 1st month I was in agony. I also cracked a couple of ribs. I have an insurance company acting for me but just wondered if anyone has ever been through anything similar and if so what was the amount of compensation received. Many Thanks

Answer 1

I do not think it will set you up for life.

1. Loss of earnings and ongoing losses if any and  other quantifiable expenses

2. Value of the bike

3. General damages (pain and suffering)

For the love of mike get proper advice. You will not get it here.

Answer 2

Compensation won't heal your injuries!!

Answer 3

I don't understand why people think a lawyer will increase the payment to a genuinely injured person.  If the insurance company uses a computerized injury evaluation system, there is no button to press saying a lawyer is or is not involved.  All a lawyer does is take about 1/3 of the recovery for himself.  On the other hand, if you want to inflate or completely fake an injury, get an attorney.  In my opinion, they really know how to do that.

Answer 4

Carry on listening to the lawyers appointed by your insurers, (and not selected by you), but don't expect anything more than satisfactory advice. Then go to a firm of solicitors who is recommended to you or suggested by the Law Society and who are members of APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers). Follow their advice. It will be sound advice. Best of luck.

Source: I have worked for a firm of solicitors for over 25 years.

Answer 5

It might not heal his injuries but will help him to carry on living.  Hope you get bundles of cash and you are feeling better now.x

Answer 6

Depending on the state your in, compensation is medical, loss of earnings and pain/suffering or general damages.  There is NO formula for settlements.  It's based on the merit of your injuries...are they life altering, will you ever regain full use of your thumb?

Big settlements come from loss of life, dismemberment and disfigurement.  Soft tissue injuries are whiplash (neck strain), low back situations that heal, given time.

Attorneys make their money doing the leg work for you. Gathering your medical bills, doctors reports and sending you to doctor's they work with that will negiotiate the bills when the attorney is ready to submit his demand to the liable insurance carrier.  They also take

33 1/3% (pretty much the going rate) of the total settlement.

You have 2 years to settle a Bodily Injury claim (Calif.).  My suggestion would be is to make sure your fully healed prior to making any type of commitment on settlement.  Torn Rotator Caps/Cuffs can lead to surgery depending on how it's dealt with.

BI adjusters will always try to lowball you at first.  Think about it, it's their job to settle a claim quickly and for a low as possible.  It's not them, it's the company they work for.  If you feel that you need counsel, get it now and let them work for you.

Answer 7

Just some advice ,  don't accept anything till you have a lawyer of your own, they work free and will take a cut of your compensation, but they will get you some serious cash, it could take up to a year though

all the best

Answer 8

I suggest you talk with someone like a lawyer if necessary

to make certain you are rightfully compensated.

You don't have to accept their offer if you feel it is

not Just.

I know one guy who accepted 5 thousand, when he

could of received a lot more.  

Speak with the Right Persons on this issue.

Answer 9

well dont just let the insurance handle it talk with a lawyer you wil get more  as you should.. and really you must know you will always have problems with your shoudler and ribs and knees from now on.. just rememeber that pain you have felt it will come back one day.... so get all you can get a lawyer