What to expect after a bad car accident (totaling the car)?

Question

My boyfriend and I were in his vehicle and he was driving, he lost control and rolled the vehicle.

We both are fine for the most part but the vehicle is totaled. I have huge black bruises across my arm and my lower abdomen from the seatbelt. I'm really soar and achy. My neck and back hurt.

We went to the ER and they did X-rays on me as well as gave me 2 shots, one for swelling and the other for pain. They also sent me home with muscle relaxers and said I would be in a lot of pain for a couple weeks.

This accident happened really late sunday night and it is now Thursday and I'm still soar and my neck and back hurt. By bruises look horrible and everyone says I need to take pictures of my bruises so I will do that tonight. His insuarance was full coverage and paid for my ER bills and I had monday, tuesday and wednesday scheduled off for work and it's thurday now and I'm back to work.

My mom said that the insurance company will want me to sign off on any injuries asap but I shouldn't, I should wait a bit and make sure I'm ok for the long run. She also said I could get a settlement. Is this true? I don't know what to expect or what to do. I want to go into the military in a couple months and I'm hoping I'll have a full recovery.

Anyone who's been through this what can and should I do? Will I get a settlement? I feel guilty taking it if it will hurt my boyfriend of his family on insurance costs.

Answer 1

Of course your boyfriend's rates will go up.  To quote you, "He lost control and rolled the vehicle."  Your mom is looking out for your best interests of course, but she isn't (I assume) an expert in insurance matters.  Your best source of information will be your boyfriend's insurance agent.  He can tell you what to expect and offer advice.

Generally don't sign off on medical unless and until your own physician has released you and gives a prognosis of full recovery.  Once that has been settled, you may or may not be offered anything for "pain and suffering."

Don't feel guilty about being compensated for your losses and injuries, that is what insurance is for.

Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 2

Yes you can get a settlement, and you deserve to!  Truthfully, your boyfriend's insurance is going to go up anyway regardless if you decide to take action on your injuries.  You need to get a lawyer, however, that settles these types of cases.  My husband's two brothers and two of the friends were in a horrible wreck several years ago.  One of the friends died, one of his brothers became paralyzed from the waist down, and the other two walked away with minor injuries.  However, they all received settlements.  Even my brother-in-law who was not injured, and he was driving the vehicle.  He received $10,000 dollars.  My other brother-in-law who is paralyzed received much more.  You can get money for pain and suffering (which it sounds like you have experienced).

Answer 3

The purpose of the settlement is to stop you from suing your boyfriend, and it sounds like you're not seriously hurt.  Based on those two factors, I'd expect a pretty small settlement.  Very small.  Like, not enough to pay for a week at the beach, for instance.

Generally, there are lot easier ways to get rich than being injured.  I know everybody likes free money, but it's better to plan to make your own way.

Answer 4

Yes, You can get a settlement but you can't get one if you don't ask for one.  His insurance company will be calling you wanting for you to sign off.  You should wait and seek legal advice if you think you want to sue or go for more than they will offer.  The last thing you need to worry about is hurting your boyfriends parents because of insurance costs.  Their insurance will go up even if you don't get a dime.  Remember, any settlement money will come from the insurance company, not from the parents

Answer 5

Settlement?... I dunno, it depends on the circumstances and the laws in your state.

However, do NOT sign off on your injuries. The insurance company will indeed pressure you to sign a release relieving them of any financial responsibilities. Also, I would document every trip to the doctor and make a note of how much wages you lost by not going to work... this should be included in the consideration of whatever settlement may be offered, if it is offered.

I would then take ALL the information to an attorney and ask him to advise you.  There may be a small fee for the attorney's time, but it is well worth a hundred or two dollars.

However, if it is his fault legally, you may only be able to make a claim with YOUR insurance if you have the right coverage... expect the insurance company not to be happy, and they may raise your rates, but at least you can pay some if not all of your bills.

Answer 6

It's highly possible you could get a settlement. You have to have a consultation with an attorney that knows the law and can review the case. Do this as soon as possible.