Auto Insurance Claims: injury claim, punitive damage, party didn


Question
Is running a red light a punitive damage claim and can I get more toward my claim,if the guilty party didn't show up to even defend the ticket she recieve.Also I had over 6000 in medical bill,and I was unable to take a position due to the accident,how do I get reward for that,can I take that I was in the middle of my football season and had to miss the last 4 games plus playoff when I try to get a settlement offer?I was think about start at 35k,is that the right ball park,or should I try for more.

Answer
Hi Vonswell,

Generally, the loss of a potential job does not add much to the value of your claim. Also, that fact that someone ran a red ligt is the reason they are responsible to begin with and does not add additional value to your claim.

The value of an injury claim will be determined based on the type and extent of your injuries, then type of your treatment, the length of treatment, how soon after the accident you sought treatment and what the prognosis is.

Generally, if your injuries are soft tissue in nature and resolve with a few months, the claim will be worth 3 to 5 times the medical bills.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh