Auto Insurance Claims: rear ended, headaches and dizziness, personal injury attorney

Question
Hi - my husband and I were rear ended last week.  We started receiving care from our chiropractor on Friday (the accident happened on Wednesday).  Xrays were done and it was determined that both of our necks were knocked out of line, we have inflamed muscles.  I'm experiencing headaches and dizziness - not to mention the discomfort.  My husband has had headaches and he is actually experiencing nausea if he stands for extended periods of time.  Our "no fault" insurance is covering our medical bills.  The other insurance company has accepted full fault.  They have put me in a rental car and the repairs on my vehicle are estimated at $2,900.   I'm assuming they send the check directly to the body shop??  

The other insurance company has sent us a letter asking us to authorize them to receive copies of our medical bills and authorization to receive copies of our reports.  Should be sign off on this?

If our insurance company pays the medical bills and the other insurance company pays the body shop directly.....how do we determine what kind of settlement to ask for (when the time comes).    We have NO idea where to start.  

Please help us.   The other insurance had originally offered $150.00 per person to settle.   We cancelled that appt then they offered $300.00 per person.  Our first chiropractor appt alone was $750.00 (total for the 2 of us).   We are being seen 3 times a week.

We are in Delaware.   Please help us - where do we start - what is a fair amount to request considering everything we're going through.  And does the settlement amount include what needs to be paid to the body shop?

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Joann,

The first thing you need to understand is that the insurance comapny has no interest in properly compensating you. They just want to get out as cheaply as possible.

If you are really injured and will be treating for a while, you should immediately seek the advise of a personal injury attorney. Only an attorney can advise you of your rights and weather or not to sign a medical release document.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh