Auto Insurance Claims: CLAIM OFFER, sprains strains, bruised rib

Question
I WAS IN A AUTO ACCIDENT, THE OTHER DRIVER WAS AT FAULT. I HAD A PULLED MUSCLE AND A BRUISED RIB. MY DR. BILLS ARE 1700.00. I WAS OFFER 2800.00 THE DR.BILLS COME OUT OF THAT, WHICH WOULD LEAVE ME WITH 1100.OO. I DID NOT TAKE THE OFFER. WHAT SHOULD ASK FOR OR WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Answer
Sounds like you sustained what in the industry is called soft tissue type injuries (sprains, strains, etc).

The value of your claim for settlement purposes will consider your out of pocket expects (in this case your medical) and how those medicals were incurred (duration of treatment and frequency of treatment and type of treatment, etc).

What you need to keep in mind is that while an attorney MAY get you more gross dollars you will have to give him approx 1/3rd of your action.  Thinks NET (money in your pocket) when making any decision(s).

With a $2,800 offer in hand that means that you would need to gross at least $4,200 with an attorney to break even ($2,800 offer).

Have you made any demand(s)(what you think the claim is worth)?

You can and should further negotiate this matter with the handling claim rep.

Keep in mind that they want to settle this matter almost as much as you do.

I would suggest you tell the rep that you're looking for $4,000 and you think that's a "fair" number all things considered.

See if you can get the rep to move into the $3,000-3,500 range and then take the money and run.

Hope and trust that the above helps.

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