Auto Insurance Claims: pain and suffering, soft tissue injury, yield sign

Question
I was in an accident last month.  Another car ran a yield sign and hit me and totaled my car.  I was paid a fair amount for my car.  I missed a week and a 1/2 of work and made two trips to the hospital for soft tissue injury of my back.  My total medical bills are $1,200.00.  The adjuster offered me $500 pain and suffering today, which I find is totally unacceptable.  What do you think?

Answer
Based on what you have told me, I would estimate the value of your claims as medical bills, plus lost wages, plus about $1000.  This is assuming that you have recovered and have no expected future medical care.  This is a negotiation and the adjuster started low.  Don't take it personally - this will not help resolve your case.  Be polite and courteous but firm.  When you call, be prepared to explain why your case is worth more.  You might need to get a couple more offers out of the adjuster.  You do not want this to become personal and provide the adjuster a reason to make this hard on you.