QuestionOn 1/2/2010 I was in a auto accident. I had my 11 year old daughter and her 11 year old friend in the back seat. A woman driving a SUV rear ended me going 40-45 miles and hour. I was driving a Honda civic. Needless to say my car was a total loss.
My daughter for the past year has had pre-existing headaches. They went away for the most part for about (4) months. Now every night she gets extremely bad headaches since the accident. Also neck pain and refuses to go to the doctor. The other child is ok and has no pain anymore as far as I know.
As for me, the hit hurt me very badly. For the most part is is soft tissue damage but involves my neck, and entire back. I go to physical therapy (3) times a week. It seems like its not getting any better and I am in constant pain.
I am not working. Two months ago I quit my job to go back to school full time and finish up my degree. My therapist informed me if I was working I would be off work due to my injuries.
I pride myself in being a very honest person and making fair choices. I just don't know for Washington state what the rules for a settlement of an accident are. I know I am far away from a settlement but when I am ready to settle, is there a per day for pain and suffering? Or what is the "rules".
We also have an issue of insurances. I had full coverage on my car, but did not have PIP. Since the accident, I have added this to my insurance. I did not know how important this coverage was. I would just like some advise on how long I should wait to settle if and when my injuries get better and how much a fair settlement will be.
Thank you very much.
As for
AnswerHi Cheyenne,
There is no fixed formula to determine the amount of settlement. As a general rule of thumb you should seek 3 to 5 times the tital amount of your medical expenses, however there are many variables. This would include the medical expenses, any other expenses you have incured and your pain and suffering. Out of the settlement you eventually receive you will have to pay the medical bills or reimburse your health insurance provider if they have been paying the bills.
You should visit a website: www.collisionwizard.com . This website was created by the Better Business Bureau Video Series and was developed by personal injury attornies. The site will allow you to enter all of the information regarding your accident, doctors, treatment, medical expenses, etc. It will help you to build a demand package for when you are ready to begin the settlement process. It even have a built in calculator that will help provide you with a high and low range of the value of your claim.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
