Auto Insurance Claims: How much is a reasonable amount to ask from an insurance company?, car accident claim, soft tissue injuries

Question
Hello. Recently I was hit by a truck while sitting on a bench waiting for work to start. A truck heading northbound swerved to miss a car backing out of a parking spot. In doing so, the truck hit a car heading southbound, spun, and proceeded to hit the bench I was sitting on, and kept going halfway through the building next to me. The bench was a wrought iron bench bolted into the sidewalk, and when the truck hit it, it was unbolted and threw me into the street. I did not immediately go to the hospital (which, in retrospect, was not the wisest idea), and suffered some pretty intense bruising (which I have pictures of). I have now been contacted by 2 different insurance companies: The owner of the truck's insurance company, and what sounds like that insurance company's insurance company (after asking, the man finally told me that they pay whatever the other insurance company can't). I called a personal injury lawyer and asked him what to do, but it sounds like he just wants me to give the insurance company the run-a-round, and I'm really not interested in doing that. That being said, I have no idea what a reasonable compensation for being hit by a truck while sitting on a bench (not something one experiences every day) is. I have no intention of trying to get more than what is fair, but I don't have any idea what "fair" constitutes. Any help you may have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance.

Answer
Hi Christine,

The value of your claim is not based on the circumstances of the accident but rather on what injuries you sustained, what medical treatment you sought and the cost of that treatment. In most car accident claim where the injuries are bruises, and other soft tissue injuries, the value of the claim is generally 2 to 3 times the total cost of the medical bills. If there was not much in the way of actual treatment, say just a couple of doctor visits, then you are likely looking at payment of your medical bills plus $500. to $1,000.00.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh