Auto Insurance Claims: Claim Expectation, car insurance company, back and neck pain

Question
I was rear ended badly while at a stop light.  I suffered extensive back and neck pain and have been in therapy for 3 months.  I have have MRIS and seen many specialists.  I was recently released from thearpy.  My car was repaired by the insurance of the guy that hit me.  It was over $12,000 in damages.  They also provided me with a rental car for a month while my car was being repaired.  My medical bills total over $9000, with $5000 covered by my car insurance company.  I have a lawyer and expect him to present a demand letter in the next month.  I live in Florida, where this accident happened.  How much of a settlement should I expect?

Answer
Hi BJ-

I have heard that the standard you should go for is 2-4 times medical bills.  My experience is that it depends on how strong your case is.  If you can get a doctor to write a statement about any long term effects and his opinion on for sure if your injuries were caused by the accident vs. pre-existing or other contributing factors etc..  The other company is going to look for holes in your case and won't offer as much if they see any weaknesses.  It also depends on how long you want to fight.  You can always turn down the offer and go to court but then if you lose, you might not get anything.

Sheldon Maughan
Sacramento, Ca