Should I accept first offer from insurance company for whiplash injury?

Question

I got a letter from the solicitors my insurance company assigned me to deal with an injury claim after a car accident that was the other persons fault. Finally after 10 months I've got an offer, but it's about 20% less than what the doctor valued my whiplash as. My solicitors seem to imply that I should accept this, and that the only alternative is to start court proceedings, that this would take a long time, and I probably wouldn't get much more anyway. What should I do?

Answer 1

get legal advice  now

Answer 2

20% less than what the doctor valued my whiplash as!!!!!!!

Since when was it doctors jobs to put monetray values on injurys! its ridiculous. I'm so fed up of money grabbing people like yourself who just want handouts at every oportunity. If I had my way you'd get nothing and should just be greatful you came out of it alive!!!!!

Answer 3

Never accept the first offer.  It's a bargaining position.  Say you want twice as much and they'll come back with one a bit nearer what your doctors says you're worth.  Remember that neither side wants to go to court or the lawyers grab the lot.

Answer 4

No, they normally offer three times but make sure you keep updating information and going to your GP as it gives you more bargaining power.

Answer 5

You need to talk to a personal injury attorney dude.  They can tell you what you can do.  Plus some of them don't charge you unless it's a win-able case.

The attorney will fight for you because they know guys like you get shafted by insurance companies all the time.  Insurance companies usually give you less than what the actual cost is.  The idea is you won't fight it anyway.

Furthermore, attorneys can get at a resolution quickly.  (i.e. settle out of court) NOBODY, especially the insurance company,  wants to go to court.  It will cost the insurance company more.

I would fight.. you've waited so long anyway...