Auto Insurance Claims: What amount should I settle for baby involved?, taxi yellow cab, neck and back injuries

Question

part of accident   Long story short my husband was rear ended by Yellow Cab services Dodge Caravan. My baby is traumatized he now cries everytime he is put in car seat, my husband has neck and back injuries is getting treated for it and have xrays to prove it. He also is extremely scared to drive, he fears that something like this can happen again, he is having problems going to sleep at night his lips and parts of his body move and he is sleeping. My baby was taken to the Er I wanted to have him checked out but they checked his vitals and said he was OK no xrays were done, I am affraid of future affects this may have on him, thank God he is still with us, really a miracle. Since the impact was hard, all the back is dented in, all windows in rear shattered, side back passage tire tilted out, also door on that side damaged. Passenger side door front also slight dent. I have pictures to prove that, how much is the most I can settle for since the taxi Yellow Cab is self insured? How long will this process be?

Answer
Your husband should not settle until he has been released from medical care and his orthopedist knows if there are any serious problems.  In 99% of cases, this is only soft tissue - meaning strained muscles that recover in a few days or sometimes a few weeks.  He might benefit from physical therapy.  The doctor can decide.

When it is time to settle, they should offer the cost of the medical bills that are reasonable and necessary, lost income due to injuries, plus an amount for general damages which includes pain, suffering, aggravation, etc.

Be careful when choosing a doctor.  There are many unethical chiropractors and doctors who specialize in auto accidents.  Stay away from them as they will overcharge and you will have problems settling your claim.  Stick with medical providers recommended by your normal doctor.

If your baby is done with medical care, ok to settle.  Get copies of your medical bills.  Make sure you have all of them, as there are usually a few providers for an ER visit - hospital,   doctor, xray, etc.  The offer should be medical bills plus about $500-$1000 based on what you described.  When your husband is done treating, send me details and i'll give an estimate.

Taxi cab companies can be hard to deal with.  Don't let them roll over you.  But always be polite and firm.  Getting angry will not help.